Kargil, February 24: Describing tourism as a driver of economic growth, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Monday urged coordinated efforts to harness the vast potential of Kargil and assured that all genuine demands raised during his visit would be taken up with the Central Government.
During a series of public engagements across the district, the Chief Secretary underlined that sustainable progress depends on collaboration between the Administration, elected representatives and local communities. He stressed the need for structured planning supported by ground-level data to ensure balanced development.
At Rangdum, members of the Rangdum Gonpa Cultural and Welfare Society submitted a memorandum seeking construction of essential link roads, development of an ice-skating ground and construction of a compound wall for the local school. The delegation also pressed for upgradation of the Rangdum Medical Sub-Centre, provision of a 108 ambulance service, augmentation of teaching staff and installation of a power transmission line to address electricity shortages.
The Chief Secretary later held a Public Darbar at the Conference Hall of Sankoo Sub-Division, where Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil, Syed Aga Mujtaba, placed demands for granting district status to Sankoo, establishment of a full-fledged Degree College, setting up of a Fire Service Station and relocation of the Police Station to the Sub-Division headquarters. Councillors of the Suru Valley Division extended unanimous support to these proposals.
Councillor Syed Ainal Huda called for expediting pending works on National Highway 301 and highlighted Sankoo’s emerging profile as a centre for adventure and winter tourism. He urged the Administration to initiate large-scale tourism projects to strengthen livelihoods and local enterprise.
Councillor Ghulam Haider raised concerns relating to education, healthcare, road connectivity and other developmental matters in his constituency. Councillor Abdul Hadi pointed to shortages of medical staff, the need for a school bus and delays in land compensation cases. Councillor Barsoo Sheikh Mohd Ansari flagged weak communication networks and inadequate internet connectivity while stressing the requirement for improved roads, residential hostels and irrigation canals.
Representatives of social and religious organisations, including Anjuman-e-Sahib Zaman, sought declaration of Sankoo as a tourist destination and requested equipment support for their disaster relief wing, Bakaitullah Wing, which assists during emergencies.
Responding to the issues raised, the Chief Secretary assured that each matter would be examined on merit. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive survey and institutionalise regular field visits by officers of all departments to enable evidence-based planning and effective implementation.
Following the Public Darbar, the Chief Secretary visited the Buddha Statue and Museum at Karchekhar village and appreciated the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage.
He later visited the University of Ladakh campus at Khumbuthang, where Vice Chancellor Professor Saket Kushwaha briefed him on academic programmes, infrastructure and operational challenges at both Leh and Kargil campuses. The Chief Secretary assured that the concerns highlighted by the university administration would be reviewed for appropriate action.
Earlier, at a Public Darbar in Trespone PHC Block, Executive Councillor Aga Mujtaba Musawi demanded upgradation of the Primary Health Centre to a Community Health Centre, declaration of Niabat status for Trespone, provision of an ambulance and establishment of a trauma centre. At Hotel The Kargil, Nominated Councillor Adv. Riyaz Ahmad urged inclusion of Chanigund village under the Vibrant Village Programme.
The Chief Secretary also convened a detailed review meeting with officials of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to assess progress on ongoing infrastructure projects. He directed officials to expedite work on the 06 to 30 kilometre stretch to ensure timely completion.
Matters relating to arbitration cases, land acquisition and compensation were discussed at length. Emphasising administrative efficiency, the Chief Secretary called for early resolution of pending issues to prevent delays in project execution.
The visit was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, Additional Superintendent of Police Kacho Ishtiyaq, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sankoo Waseem Ramzan Dar and senior officers from various departments.
