Leh, Apr 28: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit in Ladakh on Monday welcomed the formal notification for the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory, describing the move as a significant administrative step aimed at improving governance in remote regions.
The notification, issued by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, increases the total number of districts in Ladakh from two — Leh and Kargil — to seven. The newly created districts include Nubra, Sham and Changthang carved out of Leh, and Zanskar and Drass carved out of Kargil.
BJP leaders, including UT president Tashi Gyaltson Khachu, former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former Chief Executive Councillor Leh Tashi Gyalson, and senior leader Ashok Kaul, welcomed the decision. They said the reorganisation would enhance administrative reach across Ladakh’s vast and high-altitude terrain.
In a joint press conference, the leaders noted that the creation of new districts would facilitate better governance and ensure faster delivery of public services, especially in far-flung areas where access to district headquarters has remained difficult due to geographical challenges. They added that the move follows approval granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2024 under Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Officials indicated that the notification paves the way for the establishment of new district headquarters and the rollout of administrative infrastructure, with staffing and logistical arrangements expected to be implemented in the coming months.
The BJP also highlighted that regions such as Zanskar, Changthang, Nubra and Drass had long demanded separate district status, citing persistent difficulties faced by residents in accessing essential administrative services.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the arrival of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, currently housed at the National Museum in New Delhi. The relics, regarded as among the most sacred in the Buddhist world, are scheduled to reach Leh on April 29 following sustained requests from the people of Ladakh.
Party leaders said the matter received attention at the highest level, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah acknowledging the challenges faced by devotees travelling to the national capital to pay their respects.
A ceremonial reception is being organised by the Union Territory administration in coordination with religious organisations to mark the occasion, which is expected to draw devotees from across Ladakh and neighbouring regions.
Further, Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Ladakh on April 30 and participate in Buddha Purnima celebrations on May 1. BJP leaders said the visit would also provide an opportunity to review ongoing developmental initiatives and administrative measures in the Union Territory.
Describing the developments as a defining phase for Ladakh, the BJP stated that the creation of new districts and the arrival of the Holy Relics together reflect both administrative priorities and the cultural aspirations of the people.
Authorities are now expected to focus on operationalising the new districts as Ladakh prepares for increased administrative activity and a large influx of devotees in the coming days.
