Zojila Pass, at an altitude of 11516 feet is Kashmir’s gateway to Leh, the land of Lamas and Monasteries. It is the highest pass on the 430 Km long Srinagar-Leh road.Extensive snow accumulation (30-40 feet) challenges snow clearance operations. Last winter’s heavy snowfall made clearance at Zojila a huge challenge. Threatening avalanches compounded the difficulties of working conditions in extreme weather . The men of Project BEACON & VIJAYAK braving diverse odds opened the pass on 24 Apr 2019, which has been closed since end December last year.Today the Zojila Pass was officially opened for public by Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, GOC, Chinar Corps in presence of GOC, 'Forever in Operations' Division, GOC, Srinagar Sub Area, Chief Engineers of Projects BEACON & VIJAYAK. Many high ranking officials of Projects BEACON & VIJAYAK and Officers from Chinar Corps and Fire & Fury Corps also graced the occasion along with dignitaries of Local Administration and Police.Commencing the snow clearance operation in early March, the reconnaissance parties got into action against all odds and inhospitable weather. Identifying the road alignment is the most difficult and skill demanding task. The days that followed, the determined men behind the machines made commendable progress.
Braving all odds, personnel of Projects VIJAYAK and BEACON opened the road well before the normal time. The Corps Commander saluted the dedication, hard work and commitment of differently abled lead dozer driver at Zojila, Mr Anayatullah (fondly called Tulla). Working with Project Beacon since 1993, he has been the epitome of excellence.Gen Dhillon in his message to the youth, urged them to remain motivated, study hard, stay away from drugs and respect their teachers and parents.On behalf of the Chinar Corps & Fire and Fury Corps, Gen Dhillon profusely praised the dedication of all the personnel of Projects VIJAYAK and BEACON involved in this very important yearly endeavour. According to him the dedicated and praiseworthy efforts will contribute most significantly to the tourism and economically benefit Kashmir and Ladakh. He said that the economic prosperity and well being of the Kashmir region was of prime importance and the Projects VIJAYAK and BEACON played a stellar role in this endeavour. (PTK)