LEH: Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, on Monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Administrative Secretaries to assess the progress of ongoing projects, government schemes and departmental works across the Union Territory.
The meeting focused on evaluating the status of development initiatives and addressing key challenges faced by various departments. The Lieutenant Governor urged the Administrative Secretaries to intensify their efforts and work with renewed dedication for the overall development of Ladakh.
Highlighting the region’s immense potential, Saxena said Ladakh has the capacity to emerge as one of the best-performing Union Territories in the country. He emphasised that the efficiency and commitment of administrative officers would play a vital role in accelerating the pace of development and ensuring welfare of the people.
The Lieutenant Governor issued several directions to concerned departments to improve civic infrastructure, environmental protection, tourism development and livelihood opportunities across the region.
Stressing the importance of maintaining cleanliness and proper urban planning in Leh town, Saxena directed authorities to ensure a clean environment with zero tolerance for littering. He also instructed officials to install uniform signages across the town and undertake roadside plantation to reduce dust and pollution.
He further called for proper road markings near schools, hospitals and other sensitive areas, along with clearly marked parking and no-parking zones. Authorities were also directed to ensure regular cleaning of footpaths and installation of dustbins at designated locations.
Expressing concern over Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the adoption of a zero-plastic policy in the Union Territory. He also directed the concerned departments to plan additional Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), keeping future requirements in mind, and explore modern solutions such as Decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (DSTPs) in remote areas. He stressed that both Leh and Kargil towns should be developed as zero-discharge towns.
Addressing the issue of water scarcity, Saxena directed officials to identify at least 50 locations across Ladakh for developing water bodies that could store snowmelt and glacial water, ensuring reliable irrigation sources for farmers.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised empowering the youth through skill development and training programmes, with the aim of transforming them from job seekers into job creators.
He highlighted the potential of wind energy in Ladakh and called for exploring renewable energy opportunities in the region. In addition, he stressed the need to strengthen sports infrastructure by developing facilities for activities such as archery, skiing and hot-air ballooning at suitable locations outside Leh town.
Saxena also emphasised tourism as a major driver of Ladakh’s economy and suggested developing tent cities at scenic locations, similar to those in Kutch. He proposed procuring 20-seater luxury buses for tourists and introducing a fully online booking system to improve travel convenience.
To boost tourism during the colder months, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Tourism Department to prepare a comprehensive plan for promoting winter tourism in Ladakh.
He further highlighted the potential for large-scale cultivation of high-value flowers such as tulips, gladiolus and lilies, suggesting that these could be exported and generate employment for local residents.
Referring to the region’s renowned Pashmina wool, Saxena stressed the need to promote authentic Ladakhi Pashmina so that it becomes a defining identity of the Union Territory and ensures fair returns for local producers.
He also suggested exploring the commercial potential of high-quality salt produced in the Tsokar area as another avenue for economic growth and employment.
Earlier, Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary of Ladakh, presented an overview of ongoing projects and government schemes in the Union Territory and briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the major issues and challenges being faced by the administration.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner/Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr L. Franklin and Administrative Secretaries Shashanka Ala, Bhupesh Chaudhary, Baseer-ul-Haq, Sanjit Rodrigues, P.T. Rudra Goud, Bhanu Prabha, Qureshi Tariq Mehmood and Moses Kunzang.
