Kargil, Jan 14: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Wednesday directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to submit a comprehensive report along with a detailed map outlining the existing boundaries of Kargil Airport and the scope for its possible expansion in view of future requirements.
The direction was issued during the Chief Secretary’s visit to Kargil Airport, where he inspected the existing infrastructure and reviewed operational aspects. The Commanding Officer of the airport briefed Mr. Kundra on various functional and infrastructural components, including current facilities and constraints affecting operations.
The Chief Secretary emphasised the need for a clear assessment of land availability and infrastructural status to enable informed decision-making for future development. He underlined that the proposed report should clearly depict the present situation on the ground and identify feasible options for expansion.
Later, the Chief Secretary visited the Darchik Cultural Centre in Darchiks village, where he held an interaction with villagers, local stakeholders and various delegations. He listened to the concerns and grievances raised by the people and assured them that all genuine demands would be examined by the administration.
The programme at Darchiks commenced with the National Anthem, followed by a traditional welcome accorded to the Chief Secretary by villagers, the Lambardar and the Councillor through the presentation of khataks. Local representatives briefed him about the village’s cultural heritage, historical background, distinct identity, community life and traditional food practices. The event also featured folk songs and traditional dances reflecting the Dard Aryan culture of the region.
Addressing the gathering, Nominated Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Gurmit Rigzen, welcomed the Chief Secretary and accompanying officers. He submitted a memorandum highlighting several demands, including the unification of Aryan Valley areas spread across Kargil and Leh districts under a single district, establishment of a Buddhist Sarai at Kargil headquarters for Aryan Valley residents, and construction of a Tribal Model Hostel in the Aryan Valley to support education.
Other issues raised by the villagers included the construction of the Darchik irrigation canal for Sanache hamlet to aid agriculture, establishment of an Aryan Cultural Centre in Leh, creation of a separate Panchayat Halqa for Darchik, construction of link roads and upgradation of Middle School Darchik to High School.
In his address, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said it was heartening to witness the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region and appreciated the local community for preserving its traditions. He assured the gathering that all demands and representations submitted across various sectors would be carefully examined and appropriate action would follow.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Administrative Secretary, PHE, Rahul Sharma; Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Moses Kunzang; Managing Director, NHM, Tushar Anand; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, along with Chief Engineers of PWD and PDD, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and other district officers during the visit.
Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary, Ladakh Ashish Kundra, today visited Dha–Biama Village in the Aryan Valley.
The Chief Secretary was warmly welcomed by the villagers upon his arrival. He interacted with local stakeholders, villagers, and various delegations, patiently listening to their concerns and grievances. He assured the people that all genuine issues would be examined carefully and appropriate support would be provided.
A colourful cultural programme was organised on the occasion, during which local representatives briefed the Chief Secretary about the village’s rich cultural heritage, history, unique identity, community life, and traditional food practices.
Villagers also presented vibrant folk songs and traditional dances, showcasing the rich Dard Aryan culture.
During the interaction, villagers highlighted several key issues and submitted a memorandum, including demands for the transfer of land to villagers from the Indian Army and measures for the promotion and preservation of the village’s rich cultural heritage.
Expressing happiness and pride, the Chief Secretary said that Ladakh’s cultural and linguistic diversity is a matter of great pride. He appreciated the local community for preserving their unique traditions and assured that all demands and issues submitted across various sectors would be examined and necessary action taken accordingly.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Administrative Secretary, PHE, Rahul Sharma; MD NHM, Tushar Anand; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho; ADDC Leh, Sonam Nurboo; Chief Engineer, PWD, Abdul Mutalib; Chief Engineer, PDD, Tsewang Paljor; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Khaltsi, Mohd Sharief and other concerned officials during the visit.
Earlier, on the third day his Kargil visit, the Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra (IAS) co-chaired an introductory meeting with LADHC-Kargil, along with the Chairman/CEC, with Executive Councillors and Councillors of the LAHDC. The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor Kacho Mohd. Feroz; Executive Councillor Agha Syed Mujtaba; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho; Chief Controller of Finance, Iftikhar Hussain, LADHC-Kargil; Joint Director (P)/Chief Planning Officer,Kargil; Abdul Hadi and other officers. The Chief Secretary was accorded a traditional welcome by the Council.
Various critical issues pertaining to the District were discussed during the interaction. The Chief Secretary emphasized the responsibility of elected representatives in ensuring judicious utilization of resources and adopting a coordinated approach for development. He highlighted the need for long-term, sustainable planning, economic diversification, promotion of tourism and balanced development across sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, skill development and technical education.
Kundra stated that Kargil has significant potential owing to its unique geography and cultural landscape and stressed the importance of integrated and pragmatic development planning. He assured that the issues raised would be examined and addressed in a phased manner, based on priority, in close coordination with LAHDC-Kargil.
Later during the day, the Chief Secretary undertook an extensive of the District Hospital, Polytechnic College, Government Degree College as well as the Sports Authority of India Centre at Kargil.
During his visit to Polytechnic College, he inspected laboratories, classrooms, and other academic facilities. He interacted with faculty members and took note of issues related to course availability, infrastructure, admissions, transport facilities and the availability of smart classrooms. He assured that all genuine concerns would be examined for appropriate action.
At the District Hospital Kargil, Kundra visited all units and held a detailed review meeting with the Director, Health Services; Managing Director, NHM-Ldakh; Chief Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent and doctors. The Medical Superintendent highlighted the shortage of specialists and super-specialists. The Chief Secretary directed the Health Department to initiate nationwide advertisements of specialists and super-specialists under NHM.
He also reviewed the total vacant specialist and super-specialist posts and emphasized strengthening tele-medicine services in coordination with tertiary medical institutions. Directions were issued regarding the medical camps in rural areas through rotational duty of doctors and assessment of the requirement for additional infrastructure blocks.
The Chief Secretary also visited Government Degree College, Kargil, where he inspected the infrastructure and interacted with faculty members and students. Issues pertaining to course diversification, admissions, transport facilities and availability of smart classrooms were discussed. He stressed the importance of course diversification to meet emerging academic and employment needs.
At the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre, the Chief Secretary interacted with trainees and students and reviewed facilities related to boxing and taekwondo. He conducted a comprehensive review of the centre’s functioning, including trainee strength, admission process, achievements and overall performance. He appreciated the achievements of students in various sports disciplines and assured continued support for strengthening sports infrastructure and training facilities.
The visit reflected the administration’s commitment towards strengthening public services, promoting local industries, improving healthcare delivery, enhancing educational institutions and encouraging sports development in Kargil District.
