Leh, Aug 21: Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohd Haneefa Jan, strongly flagged the region’s mounting climate challenges during the Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Highlighting the fragile Himalayan ecology, Haneefa Jan drew attention to the alarming retreat of glaciers, increasing incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), frequent cloudbursts, recurring droughts, and the consequent damage to traditional crops like apricots and apples — the backbone of Ladakh’s agrarian economy.
Urging the Government of India to adopt a comprehensive approach, the MP put forth several key demands including inclusion of Ladakh in the national GLOF risk programme to monitor and mitigate the threat posed by melting glaciers, special financial package for the realignment of nallas (water channels) and construction of protection bunds to safeguard villages and farmland from sudden floods and recognition of recent flash floods as a disaster, along with the creation of a dedicated relief fund to ensure fair and timely compensation to affected families, addressing drought on priority by bringing Ladakh under the Catalytic Assistance Programme with region-specific mitigation measures, and deployment of a special survey team to devise permanent solutions.
Besides, he also demanded establishment of early warning systems and new relief schemes tailored to Ladakh’s unique climate, raising of a dedicated NDRF battalion in Ladakh and upgrading the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to enhance preparedness and rapid response capacity.
In the related context, HM Shah in a message on X wrote, “Chaired the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for MHA on Disaster Management and Capacity Building in New Delhi. The Modi govt is resolutely working towards building a disaster resilient Bharat through shaping its response to calamities with the mantra of speed, efficiency, accuracy and capacity building. Directed to minimise the risk of disasters through wide scale awareness at the grassroots level. Also a new strategy to tackle cloudbursts and landslides with more efficiency will be unveiled soon.”
The MP underlined that Ladakh’s fragile ecology and livelihoods are under constant threat due to accelerating climate change, and immediate intervention from the Centre is critical to safeguard both the environment and the people of the Union Territory.
“This is not just about protecting infrastructure, but about securing Ladakh’s very survival,” he emphasized. The meeting saw detailed deliberations on disaster preparedness and climate resilience, with Haneefa Jan pressing for Ladakh’s inclusion in all national-level programmes to ensure equitable support and protection.
Later in the day a delegation from Shakar Chiktan and Shargole regions called on Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai to advocate for the establishment of a new district in Ladakh, renewing long-standing demands for closer administrative oversight and improved local governance.
The meeting, coordinated by MP Haneefa Jan, underscores a renewed drive by regional leaders to secure recognition for the remote areas.
The delegation, representing the Coordination Committee for the New District Shakar Chiktan and Shargole, included Shakar Chiktan Chairman Kacho Shameem, Executive Member Haji Ghulam Hussain, and from Shargole, former LAHDC Kargil Councillor Haji Mohd Ali and former Tingdou Sarpanch Ahmad Ali.
During the meeting, the representatives submitted a memorandum proposing the merger of Shakar Chiktan sub-division with the Shargole block to form a separate district.
The document outlined the expected administrative and developmental advantages, stressing that a distinct district would bring governance closer to residents, streamline public service delivery, and facilitate focused development initiatives.
“Being part of a larger administrative unit often slows down development,” a committee member observed. “A new district would enable faster decision-making and ensure that resources reach our villages without unnecessary delays.”
Local leaders have long raised concerns with the Ladakh UT Administration over challenges posed by rugged terrain, limited connectivity, and the distance of administrative offices from the villages. Past petitions, memorandums, and public demonstrations have drawn attention to governance delays and uneven development in these remote pockets.
The delegation emphasized that the formation of a new district would strengthen governance while preserving the distinct cultural and social identity of these communities. “We are not seeking privileges; we want effective governance and development for our people,” Haji Ghulam Hussain said, urging prompt action by the central government.
MP Haji Haneefa Jan assured the delegation of his full support, committing to raise the issue across appropriate platforms. “The people of Shakar Chiktan and Shargole have long awaited a resolution. Their aspirations deserve serious consideration, and I will ensure their voices are heard in every forum,” he stated.
The discussion comes amid ongoing deliberations on administrative reforms in Ladakh following its transition to a Union Territory in 2019. With the meeting concluded successfully, representatives expressed optimism that sustained engagement with government authorities could pave the way for the creation of a new district, bringing governance closer to residents and accelerating socio-economic development in the region.
