Leh, Jan 31: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Saturday led an extensive field inspection across Leh town and its adjoining areas to personally assess the pace, quality and execution of ongoing development works.
The Chief Secretary began his tour at the Pashmina Dehairing Plant at the Industrial Estate, Leh, where he closely observed the processing operations and interacted with stakeholders to obtain first-hand information on the plant’s functioning and operational performance.
He thereafter visited the Sewage Treatment Plant at Agling and reviewed the progress of the facility aimed at strengthening urban sanitation and improving environmental conditions in the town. The Administrative Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, briefed him on the working mechanism of the plant, while officials at the site apprised him of daily operations and maintenance arrangements.
At Ladakh Model Middle School, Ibex Colony, the Chief Secretary inspected classrooms and educational facilities and attended the closing ceremony of the winter tuition classes. Administrative Secretary, School Education, Ms Bhanu Prabha, briefed him on the transformation of Middle School Ibex Colony into Ladakh Model School. Students presented a cultural programme during the visit.
Reviewing the “Wheel of Life” project near Gonpa, Kundra examined the progress of the work and underlined the importance of completing the remaining components in a planned manner. He directed the concerned department to prepare a Detailed Project Report for the balance works. Director Tourism, Tsering Paldan, provided a comprehensive briefing on the project.
The Chief Secretary also inspected the Convention Centre and the State Institute of Hotel Management, where he reviewed the status of infrastructure and operational arrangements. He noted the role of both institutions in supporting tourism activity and hospitality education in the region.
At the multi-tier parking project near the Polo Ground, officials briefed him on construction progress and explained its expected impact in easing traffic congestion in the central areas of Leh town.
During visits to Leh Main Market, the Municipal Committee Leh Shopping Complex, the Eco-Municipal Park at Balkhang, Old Leh town (Kharyok), the Moravian Church and the Central Asian Museum, the Chief Secretary interacted with traders, residents and other stakeholders. He reviewed the condition of ongoing works and gathered public feedback on civic amenities and project implementation.
At the electric vehicle depot infrastructure at the New Bus Stand, officials briefed him on the operation of electric vehicles in Ladakh and ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting environmentally responsible transport systems.
Kundra also inspected the Faecal Sludge Management Plant at Bombgarh Housing Colony to assess its operational readiness and its role in strengthening urban waste management services in Leh.
The inspection tour further included a visit to EJM College, Leh, where the Chief Secretary reviewed academic and residential facilities, including the girls’ hostel. The Principal of the college briefed him on academic activities, infrastructure status and manpower availability. The Administrative Secretary, Higher Education Department, accompanied the Chief Secretary during the visit.
The tour concluded at SNM Hospital, Leh, where Kundra inspected the Accident and Emergency Department, Tourist Ward and the Out-Patient Department, and reviewed the healthcare facilities being provided to residents and visitors.
The field visit reflected the administration’s emphasis on direct monitoring of infrastructure projects, improving the delivery of public services and ensuring that development works across the Union Territory are completed within prescribed timelines.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Secretary Social Welfare Shashanka Ala, Secretary Housing and Urban Development Sanjit Rodrigues, Secretary Education Ms Bhanu Prabha, Additional Deputy Commissioner Leh Ghulam Muhammad, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, Abdul Mutalib, Additional Deputy Commissioner Leh Sonam Nurboo, Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Leh, and other senior officers and officials.
