LEH: Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday conducted an inspection of Leh Main Market and heritage areas including Leh Old Town, Chuteyrantak and the Central Asian Museum to review civic infrastructure, cleanliness and heritage conservation.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor walked through the streets and by-lanes around the main market and Old Town, interacting with locals and taking stock of public amenities. Residents also raised several grievances during the interaction.
Saxena directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan within one month to address sanitation, infrastructure improvement and urban management issues in Leh town in order to ensure a clean, organised and tourist-friendly environment.
While inspecting the main market area, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need for a uniform design and signage system to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the market. Describing Leh Main Market as a beautiful place with its own unique charm, he directed officials to place decorative flower pots at suitable locations to beautify the market and make it more attractive for residents and tourists.
He also ordered the early repair of broken stairs and pavements in the market area and suggested the use of uniform design tiles for pavements to maintain visual harmony. Stressing the importance of cleanliness, Saxena instructed officials to regularly clean stains and dust in the market using proper mechanisms so that tourists visiting the town have a pleasant experience.
The Lieutenant Governor further directed authorities to ensure regular cleaning of drains and removal of garbage so that wastewater flows freely without obstruction. He also ordered the installation of dustbins at designated locations across the market area to maintain cleanliness and prevent littering.
For public safety, Saxena directed that fire hydrants be made fully functional and that adequate firefighting mechanisms be put in place.
While reviewing the heritage areas of Leh Old Town, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to improve the approach to the Central Asian Museum and enhance its visual appeal. He also instructed that drainage channels passing through Old Town be widened and properly structured to prevent overflow onto the streets.
He emphasised maintaining cleanliness and clearing debris in the area, noting that Leh Old Town represents Ladakh’s centuries-old culture and historical legacy.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the need to promote traditional architectural styles while constructing houses, particularly in the Old Town area, to preserve the region’s unique cultural identity.
Addressing safety concerns, Saxena directed that exposed electrical wires be properly covered and that cables be laid underground through ducts along with sewage pipelines to avoid accidents and improve the town’s appearance.
He further ordered the removal of encroachments along pavements and pathways during tile-laying and pavement works. Stressing long-term urban planning, Saxena called for a comprehensive sewage treatment plan to address current issues and accommodate future population growth over the next decade.
He also emphasised the need for proper street lighting, improved drainage systems and the development of adequate parking spaces in the town. Saxena urged authorities to launch public awareness initiatives encouraging residents to follow traffic regulations and park vehicles only in designated areas to reduce congestion.
During interactions with residents of Leh Old Town, locals raised concerns about sewage disposal and narrow pathways. The Lieutenant Governor assured them that the administration would take necessary steps to resolve these issues.
Highlighting the importance of improving civic infrastructure and preserving heritage, Saxena said these efforts are crucial not only for the convenience of residents but also for strengthening tourism in Ladakh. He noted that Leh, being a major tourist destination, must present a clean, organised and culturally vibrant environment.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Ashish Kundra, Mukesh Singh, senior administrative secretaries, the Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Leh, and officials of the Municipal Committee during the inspection.
