ZANSKAR: Deputy Commissioner Zanskar, Omkar Rajinder Gundage, IAS, conducted his maiden official visit to the remote Sarchu region on Saturday, reviewing development projects, public service delivery and critical infrastructure works while engaging directly with local residents on their concerns and demands.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the Medical Sub-Centre at Kargyak and assessed the healthcare services being provided to the local population. He reviewed the functioning of the facility and took stock of healthcare arrangements in the area.
Gundage also visited the tourist camp area at Gonbo Rangjon, where he examined facilities available for visitors and discussed tourism-related issues with stakeholders. The review focused on strengthening tourism infrastructure and addressing concerns associated with visitor management in the region.
In a major component of the tour, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress of the strategically important Shinkula Tunnel Project and held discussions with the executing agency regarding the timely completion of the works. He emphasised the importance of maintaining progress on the project, which is expected to enhance connectivity in the region.
The Deputy Commissioner further inspected boundary-related issues at various locations across Zanskar and assessed local concerns linked to the matter.
At Sarchu, Gundage interacted with residents, listened to their grievances and demands, and assured them that genuine issues would receive priority attention from the district administration.
Reviewing local infrastructure, he also inspected the suspension bridge at Chumik Gyalsa and assured residents that efforts would be made to facilitate the construction of a motorable bridge to improve connectivity and ease transportation challenges faced by the local population.
The visit was accompanied by Tehsildar Zanskar Mohammad Hassan, Executive Engineers Farman Ali and Vilayat Ali, ZEO Ladol, CDPO Stanzin Khawang and other district officers.
