Nyoma, May 7: Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Nitish Rajora, pushed for a comprehensive livestock development plan for the Changthang region, directing the Sheep Husbandry Department (SHD) to prepare a detailed project report aimed at improving livestock health, welfare and productivity, with particular emphasis on increasing pashmina production.
The directive came during a review meeting held at Nyoma, where the Deputy Commissioner assessed the functioning of the Sheep Husbandry Department and reviewed the veterinary support being extended across the region.
Officials said the administration is seeking a more structured and long-term approach to strengthening Changthang’s livestock economy, which remains closely tied to pashmina rearing and pastoral livelihoods in the high-altitude belt.
During the meeting, Dr. Mohd Sadiq, Assistant Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, Changthang, presented a detailed account of the department’s ongoing activities, including veterinary healthcare services, field-level outreach and measures being undertaken for livestock welfare across remote areas of the region.
Rajora underscored the need for targeted interventions to support the pashmina sector and directed the department to identify suitable land for livestock-related development works, expand pasture and fodder resources and improve the supply of feed supplements to herders.
He also instructed the department to submit the required proposals and applications to the district administration for further action, indicating a sharper administrative focus on improving productivity and strengthening support systems for livestock owners in Changthang.
Officials present in the meeting said the proposed measures are expected to address critical gaps in fodder availability, veterinary access and livestock management in the region, where climatic conditions and difficult terrain continue to pose challenges for pastoral communities.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner led a plantation drive in Nyoma in collaboration with the Department of Forest Ecology and Environment under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”.
The campaign was organised to promote environmental conservation and increase green cover in the ecologically fragile region. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nyoma, Kacho Asgar Ali, Range Officer Tsering Dadul and officials from various departments participated in the drive.
The administration said the initiative was aimed at encouraging public participation in environmental protection while creating awareness about the ecological importance of tree plantation in Ladakh’s cold desert landscape.
