Echoes commitment to work closely with IAF to strengthen national security
Leh, Sept 02: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Tuesday outlined UT Ladakh’s vision for driving industrial growth alongside sustainable rural tourism, stressing transparent land allocation, inclusive policies, and community empowerment as the key pillars of Ladakh’s development roadmap.
He said the UT Administration is committed to fostering investment, generating employment for local youth, and promoting eco-friendly tourism initiatives that preserve the region’s unique culture and ecology.
The Lt Governor was speaking while interacting with delegations at the LG Secretariat today.
Meanwhile, the LG reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to working closely with the Indian Air Force to strengthen national security and accelerate developmental initiatives in the region.
The Lt Governor appreciated the vital role being played by the Indian Air Force in safeguarding the borders, supporting civil administration during emergencies, and ensuring connectivity in the far-flung regions of Ladakh.
Earlier, members of Looms of Ladakh, representing more than 600 artisans from 19 villages in Leh and Kargil, apprised the Lt Governor of their work as an ethical, herder-artisan-led luxury brand.
They explained how their initiative blends cutting-edge design with heritage crafts, upskills traditional artisans, and provides sustainable solutions to preserve Ladakh’s cultural legacy while creating exclusive handcrafted collectables.
Similarly, entrepreneur Sonam Stanzin from Domkhar highlighted the potential of developing tourism in areas such as Domkhar, Takmachik, Skurbuchan, and the Aryan Valley.
He noted that Domkhar, in particular, is home to rock art dating back nearly 6,000 years, and that cultural events like the Apricot and Buckwheat festivals could be harnessed to attract tourists and generate livelihood opportunities for locals.
A delegation from the Anjuman Imamia Women’s Wing also met the Lt Governor and shared details of the society’s environmental protection initiatives.
Another delegation of Nambardars from different villages in the Sodh area of Kargil raised demands for the early completion of the Kargil-Batalik road and the Hamboting-La tunnel to enhance connectivity in the region.
Responding to these representations, the Lt Governor assured the delegations that the UT Administration is committed to addressing the genuine concerns of the people, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring equitable development across Ladakh.
He reiterated that industrial growth and tourism development will go hand in hand, with special focus on empowering local communities, preserving the environment, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Lt Governor underlined that the vision of the UT Administration is to transform Ladakh into a hub of responsible industrialisation and eco-friendly tourism, while safeguarding its unique cultural and ecological heritage. He called upon all stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, community groups, and civil society organisations, to work in partnership with the government to realise this vision of a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive Ladakh.
He made statements of working closely with IAF during a meeting with Air Vice Marshal Vikas Sharma, VM, Air Officer Commanding, Headquarters Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, along with Air Commodore Sanjay Prabhu, VM, Air Officer Commanding 21 Wing Air Force Station, Leh, at Raj Niwas.
The meeting focused on strengthening synergy between the civil administration and the Indian Air Force in Ladakh, particularly in the areas of strategic preparedness, disaster management, infrastructure development, and welfare of the local population.
Air Vice Marshal Sharma and Air Commodore Prabhu assured the Lt Governor of continued cooperation in all matters of strategic and humanitarian importance.
They also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Air Force in augmenting logistical support and maintaining operational readiness in the Union Territory.
