Leh, Mar 31: A delegation comprising Former Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee and Former Nominated Councillor and Mandal President of Chushul Constituency, Konchok Tsephel on Monday met Chief Secretary Ladakh Ashish Kundra and placed before him a set of demands concerning administrative restructuring, tourism regulation and livelihood concerns in the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh.
At the meeting, the delegation flagged delays in the renewal and registration of tourist establishments across key destinations such as Pangong, Tangtse, Durbuk, Chushul, Tsaga, Hanle, Tsomoriri and Tsokar Lake. They conveyed that the absence of a time-bound and streamlined mechanism has affected local stakeholders dependent on seasonal tourism and sought intervention to ensure continuity of economic activity alongside adherence to environmental safeguards in fragile landscapes.
The delegation also urged the administration to undertake an early rationalisation of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, stating that existing regulatory frameworks have led to constraints on traditional land use and grazing practices. They emphasised the need for a calibrated approach that accommodates both ecological concerns and the rights and requirements of resident communities.
Raising the issue of governance, the delegation reiterated the demand for the creation of a separate Changthang district, pointing to the region’s vast geographical spread, sparse habitation and logistical challenges that impede effective service delivery under the present administrative arrangement. They argued that a separate district structure would facilitate improved access to government services and administrative responsiveness.
The question of labour regulation in remote sub-divisions was also taken up, with the delegation seeking extension of the Labour Department’s jurisdiction under the Shops and Establishments Act, 1966 to Durbuk and Nyoma. They maintained that such a measure would help institutionalise oversight of employment practices and provide safeguards for workers in areas where regulatory enforcement remains limited.
The delegation further invited the Chief Secretary to undertake a visit to Durbuk sub-division to obtain a first-hand assessment of infrastructural gaps and administrative challenges faced by residents. They said such an engagement on the ground would enable a more informed policy response.
The Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured the delegation that the concerns would be examined and appropriate action initiated at the earliest.
