Leh, April 7: In a significant move to ease the difficulties faced by residents due to expired lease deeds, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the renewal of long-pending leases, addressing a major public concern in Ladakh.
He has instructed the Chief Secretary to set up special camps to process pending cases and distribute renewed lease deeds to eligible applicants. The administration has been directed to treat the matter with urgency and ensure relief reaches affected families quickly. These lease agreements date back decades, when Ladakh was still part of Jammu and Kashmir.
The first camp is scheduled for April 15 in Leh, where applicants can have their documents verified, pay the required fees, and receive renewed lease deeds on the spot.
Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor has allowed renewal in cases where ground rent remains unpaid, provided applicants deposit double the applicable amount as a one-time settlement. This step is expected to resolve ambiguities related to land ownership.
For years, the delay in renewing leases created legal uncertainty, making construction difficult and limiting access to bank loans for residents of housing colonies. The prolonged situation caused widespread anxiety and slowed development.
Reaffirming his commitment to addressing public grievances, Saxena emphasized that such measures are crucial for improving governance, building trust, and ensuring citizens are not burdened by procedural delays. The initiative is expected to bring stability and clarity to affected families.
Soon after assuming office, Saxena had reviewed land-related issues, including pending lease cases, and acted on requests from residents as well as social and political groups. His decision marks a key step in clearing backlog cases and improving land administration in Ladakh.
