Leh, Aug 08: Being optimistic as always for the betterment, development and greater good of people of Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor, Kavinder Gupta on Friday issued several instructions to concerned departments for boosting winter tourism, safeguarding Monasteries, and upgrading road network.
During a introductory-cum-review meeting with the Department of Tourism and Culture at the Secretariat, LG stated that Ladakh attracts a large number of tourists during the summer, but promoting winter tourism is equally vital to increase visitor numbers, especially international travelers, given that tourism is a primary livelihood for many locals.
“To enhance rural tourism, homestays should be encouraged, while ancient monasteries with valuable arti-facts need protection through CCTV installation and the digitization of age-old scriptures,” he said. Additionally, scripts for light and sound shows must be reviewed by history professors to ensure accurate information is shared with tourists.
Among the other departments reviewed by Lt Governor during the day-long meeting included the Housing and Urban Development, Public Works Department (PWD), Mechanical Engineering, General Administration Department (GAD) and Inspector General of Registration.
In the morning session, Administrative Secretary, Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, highlighted key projects, functions and schemes of the Housing and Urban Development Department, including the upcoming GIS-based Master Plan for Leh, Kargil, proposal to upgrade the Municipal Committee to Municipal Council in Ladakh.
He informed that various central government schemes implemented by the department, such as PM-SVANidhi, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Swachh Bharat Mission SBM) 2.0, AMRUT 2.0, PMAY Urban 2.0 and benefits are being extended to beneficiaries under these schemes.
Highlighting the decline in footfall of tourists over the last two years, the Administrative Secretary highlighted various initiatives being taken by the Department to boost infrastructure, along with policy and incentives schemes such as Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023, STP Incentive Scheme 2024, among others.
He also highlighted efforts being made to preserve museums and construct or upgrade new libraries at the sub-divisional level.
Post-lunch, Administrative Secretary, Michael D’Souza, IAS, informed the Lt Governor about various infrastructure projects carried out by PWD for better connectivity and promoting sustainable development, including the status of nine tunnels and roads/bridges being built under PMGSY, CRIF, Special Development Package and State Capex, etc.
He informed the Lt Governor that various works, such as snow clearance, maintenance of heating spaces, oxygen plants, etc., are being carried out by the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Framing of Recruitment Rules, notification of exams, conducting recruitment exams through Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board (LSSSSB), service-related matters of GAD were highlighted in the PPT presentation given by the Administrative Secretary.
He apprised the Lt Governor of total staff strength, recruitments that took place after the formation of the union territory through various boards, recruitment drives to be conducted later this year and submission of requisitions to UPSC for gazetted posts, etc.
The functions and challenges of the Inspector General of Registration Department were also discussed in the meeting.
In his concluding remarks, the LG emphasised early work on cleaning legacy waste in Kargil along with ensuring proper waste collection and segregation for environmental protection. He directed that sewage treatment plant (STP) projects constructed under AMRUT 2.0 can be done in phases to deal with financial crunches, but there must be no comprise with their quality.
He also asked the Executive Officer of Municipal Committee Leh to promote the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Urban 2.0 scheme so that more people come forward to avail the benefit, keeping in mind the number of new municipal wards added in Leh town, which might see a surge in demand for housing loans.
The Lt Governor stated that utmost importance must be given to the construction, upgradation, and maintenance of strategic roads for the movement of troops throughout the year.
He emphasised the importance of maximising government employee registration on the Karamyogi Bharat portal to enhance civil service capacity building through the iGOT Karmayogi online platform for training. He emphasised filling up gazetted and non-gazetted posts for the efficient functioning of the UT Administration.
Later in the day the LG stated that the UT Administration is committed to the welfare of the people of Ladakh, and every effort will be made to address the issues of the people of the region, including those living in the last mile.
He stated during his meeting with a delegation comprising Tsewang Chuskit and Tsetan Angmo, residents of Shayok, led by Vice-President, Ladakh Buddhist Association, Kunzes Dolma.
The Lt Governor gave this statement after the delegates informed him about the issues faced by them due to the blocking of the Nubra-Pangong road via Shayok for the last weeks due to a mudslide.
The delegates informed the Lt Governor that the matter was informed to officials from PWD and Border Roads Organisation (BRO), but no progress has been made to clear the road to date.
The delegates also requested the Lt Governor’s intervention in bringing Shayok village in the actual line of control (ALC) category due to its proximity to DBO.
After giving a patient hearing to the delegates, Lt Governor stated that the UT Administration would write to BRO to clear the road at the earliest so that the livelihood means and income of the people living in that belt are not affected.
The Lt Governor also met C Phuntsog, the former Chief Secretary of the erstwhile state of J&K and delegates comprising members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Kargil.
