Leh: Emphasising a people-centric approach to governance, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Friday said his development model for the Union Territory would focus on direct engagement with citizens and understanding their concerns at the grassroots level.
Speaking to media persons after the oath-taking ceremony, Saxena said he would travel extensively across villages and towns of Ladakh to listen to people’s issues and work towards practical solutions.
“My development model will be to go village to village and city to city, listen to the problems of the people, understand them and then find solutions,” he said.
Highlighting the tourism potential of the region, Saxena said one of his priorities would be to develop Ladakh into one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations. He noted that the Union Territory possesses immense natural beauty and distinctive landscapes capable of attracting visitors from across the globe.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the need for sustainable development in the region. Observing that Ladakh has limited greenery, he said efforts would be made to promote plantation drives, create water bodies and improve green cover while maintaining ecological balance.
Saxena further pointed to the need for improving urban infrastructure, particularly in areas such as sanitation and sewage management. He said the administration would gradually strengthen cleanliness systems in towns and expand sewage treatment facilities to improve living conditions for residents.
Responding to questions on various demands and issues raised in Ladakh in recent years, Saxena said he would first take time to understand the matters in detail before offering any response. He added that he would meet people from different sections of society and hold discussions to understand their perspectives.
The Lieutenant Governor also assured that Lok Niwas would remain open and accessible to the public.
“Lok Niwas will be the residence of the people. I will meet people from every segment, listen to their grievances and ensure that even small problems are addressed,” he said.
Saxena added that citizens would frequently see him travelling to different parts of Ladakh to interact directly with communities and gain a better understanding of their challenges. He reiterated that visiting remote areas and engaging with residents on the ground would remain central to his approach to governance.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised the importance of environmentally responsible development, noting that Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem requires careful planning. He spoke about increasing greenery through plantation drives, afforestation initiatives and the development of water bodies, while also focusing on improving urban infrastructure, including cleanliness and the expansion of sewage treatment facilities.
Reiterating his commitment to the welfare of the people, Saxena said that as entrusted to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he would work to ensure that the people of Ladakh are not disappointed. He added that he would seek the cooperation of residents in transforming Ladakh into a developed and progressive Union Territory.
He further stated that he would make every effort to meet people from different sections of society and address their concerns. The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with individuals from diverse backgrounds who had gathered to greet him and convey their best wishes.
Saxena brings with him more than three decades of experience in the corporate and social sectors. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
Earlier in the day, Vinai Kumar Saxena took oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh at a ceremony held in Leh, succeeding Kavinder Gupta. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving the people of the Union Territory.
