‘Siachen, Galwan to be developed as New Attractions’
Leh/Jammu, Aug 17: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Sunday vowed to promote adventure tourism, spiritual tourism and religious tourism and winter tourism in Ladakh, positioning the Union Territory as a complete tourism package that blends thrill, tranquillity and faith.
Highlighting the region’s potential to emerge as the world’s most sought-after tourism destination, Gupta said that Siachen and Galwan are also being developed to promote tourism, thereby offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the unmatched natural beauty as well as the spirit of courage and sacrifice associated with Ladakh’s frontier regions.
He also noted that Ladakh’s decades-long period of neglect and discrimination ended with the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granting it Union Territory status in 2019.
The LG was speaking during a felicitation programme organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad in Jammu today.
The Lieutenant Governor said that Ladakh is “far more beautiful than Switzerland” and has the potential to emerge as the world’s most sought-after tourism destination.
Highlighting new initiatives, he stated that Siachen and Galwan are also being developed to promote tourism, thereby offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the unmatched natural beauty as well as the spirit of courage and sacrifice associated with Ladakh’s frontier regions.
He further vowed to promote adventure tourism, spiritual tourism and religious tourism and winter tourism in Ladakh, positioning the Union Territory as a complete tourism package that blends thrill, tranquillity and faith.
The Lt Governor said that the Central Government has entrusted him with the new responsibility of serving as the head of Ladakh UT.
“There are several challenges before us, but I firmly believe that massive change will be witnessed in Ladakh in the coming years,” he assured.
“I am determined to ensure that Ladakh not only showcases its breathtaking landscapes, but also its rich heritage, vibrant culture and traditions before the world,” he said.
The Lt Governor added that the UT Administration, with the active support of the Central Government, is working tirelessly to upgrade infrastructure, improve connectivity and promote eco-friendly tourism so that visitors from across the globe experience the unparalleled charm of Ladakh.
He emphasised that the UT Administration is committed to inclusive growth, improved infrastructure, and better services while safeguarding Ladakh’s cultural heritage and fragile ecology. “Our vision is to build a sustainable and empowered Ladakh,” the Lt Governor added.
During his whirlwind tour to Jammu and Samba districts, the Lieutenant Governor also paid obeisance at the revered Devsthan of Raja Mandlik Ji at Village Raya Suchani in District Samba, Jammu, on the occasion of the annual congregation.
The Lieutenant Governor was warmly welcomed by the community members, who expressed their gratitude for his presence on this auspicious occasion.
While offering prayers, Kavinder Gupta sought the blessings of Raja Mandlik Ji for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the community as well as the welfare of the general public. He also lauded the community for preserving its rich cultural and spiritual traditions through such gatherings.
On the occasion, Sat Pal Gupta, President of the Community, apprised the Lieutenant Governor about the issues and aspirations of the community members.
The Lt Governor assured that due consideration would be given to their concerns and reaffirmed his commitment towards the welfare of the community.
Also, the Lieutenant Governor also released a Directory of Mahajan Sabha Channi Himmat at a function held in Jammu.
At the beginning of the programme, students of Panchvaktar Mahadev Pathshala recited Vedic hymns.
The Sabha members highlighted the Sabha’s work, particularly its social service activities.
It was informed that the directory comprises the biodata of 682 Mahajan families.
The Lt Governor also felicitated the community members for their social service and lauded the Mahajan Sabha for its efforts.
The participants observed two minutes’ silence in memory of the victims of the cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua districts.
Earlier in the day, LG Ladakh condoled the loss of previous lives in a tragic cloudburst in Kathua district of J&K UT.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to cloudburst and landslide in Kathua district. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for the injured & safety of all. May the departed souls rest in peace,” Gupta said in the condolence message.
It may be mentioned that seven members of four families, including five children, were killed in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday, officials said.
The calamity struck Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh and Bagra village of Janglote amid heavy overnight rains in the district, leading to increase in the level of water bodies and submerging many low-lying areas, they said.
The cloudburst in Kathua came three days after flash floods triggered by cloudburst struck Chisoti village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on August 14, leaving 60 people dead and more than 100 injured.
Officials said while five persons, including a man and his two minor sons, lost their lives in Jodh Ghati which was hit by the cloudburst, snapping access to the village and causing damage to several mud houses, a mother-daughter duo lost their lives in landslide triggered by rains at Bagra village of Janglote.
The Army has evacuated six injured persons to hospital from Jodh Ghati.
Earlier on Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta pledged robust measures to curb soaring airfares in Ladakh, ensuring travelers aren’t hit with steep costs, especially in winter, boost tourism and robust initiatives to preserve centuries old art and craft in the region.
In a meeting with MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan and the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), Gupta emphasized amplifying tourism, particularly in Kargil, through cultural events like the Suru Festival and introducing private aircraft services for better connectivity.
He urged tour operators to collaborate flexibly to bolster Ladakh’s tourism while prioritizing local community interests.
On the occasion, MP Ladakh raised several pressing issues, including the operation of 19-seater aircraft in Kargil under the UDAN scheme, upgradation of District Hospital Kargil, provision of advanced medical services in Leh and Kargil district hospitals, etc.
The ALTOA delegation sought the Lt Governor’s intervention in ensuring a uniform process for tour operator registration, LRC, provision of funds for aggressive tourism promotion, etc.
The Lt Governor gave a patient hearing to all issues raised and assured that every effort would be made to address the concerns in coordination with the concerned Ministries and Departments. He reiterated that the Ladakh Administration remains committed to strengthening connectivity, promoting sustainable tourism, and ensuring the overall welfare of the people of Ladakh.
Later in the day the, underlining the importance of preserving centuries-old traditional art such as Thangka painting, the LG said that efforts must be made to promote traditional arts and crafts and make them commercially viable so that more youth are drawn towards them.
He also emphasised the need to motivate and reward deserving sportspersons from Ladakh who bring laurels to the region, adding that the Ladakh Sports Policy is a step in that direction.
Rajesh Ranjan, Vice-Chancellor of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar—the oldest university in the region, established in 1959 under the guidance of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche—called on the Lt Governor at the LG Secretariat.
He briefed him about the Institute, its student strength, and the courses offered. He also informed him about the upcoming inauguration of the Sowa Rigpa Hospital in September by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The Lt Governor called for immediate measures to preserve traditional art forms such as Thangka painting and Amchi practices.
He stressed the importance of making these crafts commercially viable and suggested organising internship programmes for beginners to ensure their preservation for future generations.
Rinchen Youdol, an exceptional Para-Taekwondo athlete from Ladakh, and Skalzang Dorjey Kalyan, the first cricketer from Ladakh to represent the region at the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament as part of the J&K cricket team, also met with the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to recognising and rewarding sportspersons. He assured that the upcoming Sports Policy would encourage more youth to actively participate in sports.
Ven. Stanzin Gurmet, Vice-President of the Buddhist Association Kargil, also called on the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor underlined that steps would be taken to protect ancient heritage sites in Ladakh and develop them into potential tourist destinations, thereby creating livelihood opportunities for the local population.
