Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, attended the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi on June 11. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and focused on key developmental priorities and strategies for the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the transformative initiatives undertaken in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019. He stated that the region has witnessed unprecedented momentum in development across sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, education, renewable energy, water security, agriculture, and governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Governing Council of NITI Aayog serves as the apex body for fostering cooperative federalism and developing a shared vision of national priorities through the active participation of States and Union Territories. It provides a platform for discussing developmental challenges, accelerating the implementation of national programmes, and strengthening Centre-State collaboration.

Emphasising water security as a key priority of the Administration, Saxena highlighted the launch of Project Him Sarovar, under which small water reservoirs are being developed in 50 villages to harvest snowmelt and glacial meltwater. Five reservoirs have already been completed, while the Administration aims to create 100 such water bodies by next year.

The Lieutenant Governor also showcased the innovative Rock Check Dam Initiative, which involves the construction of eco-friendly check dams using locally available riverbed stones without cement, concrete, or steel. The first such structure, inaugurated at Upshi in May 2026, has created a pondage area capable of storing over 40 million litres of water. Four more rock check dams are proposed in the coming weeks.

Highlighting tourism as the backbone of Ladakh’s economy, Saxena referred to the successful exhibition of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, which attracted more than 1.18 lakh visitors and helped position Ladakh as an emerging eco-spiritual tourism destination. He also underscored the growth of astro-tourism through India’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary at Hanle and the promotion of sports tourism through the Ladakh Sports Policy 2025, the Khelo

India Winter Games, and the development of modern ice hockey infrastructure.

On economic empowerment initiatives, the Lieutenant Governor informed the Council that an agreement with the Lulu Group for the export of 1,000 metric tonnes of apricots has opened new market opportunities for Ladakhi farmers. He further noted that milk procurement through the modern Oma Dairy Plant has increased from 1,000 litres per day in 2024 to 8,500 litres per day at present. He also informed the Council about the establishment of a Pashmina Board aimed at promoting authentic Ladakhi Pashmina in national and international markets.

Highlighting environmental conservation efforts, Saxena spoke about the Indus River Green Corridor Initiative, under which extensive plantation drives are being carried out along the Indus River. He reiterated the Administration’s target of increasing Ladakh’s forest cover from less than one per cent to five per cent over the next two years. He also informed the Council about efforts to rejuvenate nearly 800 acres of barren land in Leh by utilising surplus freshwater from the Igoo-Phey Canal.

On border area development, Saxena stated that work has commenced on developing Chumur as Ladakh’s first Model Border Village under the Vibrant Village Programme. He also highlighted the preparation of Ladakh’s first comprehensive Master Plan in collaboration with the School of Planning and Architecture, Government of India, to ensure planned and sustainable urban development.

The Lieutenant Governor further highlighted governance reforms undertaken by the Administration, including the launch of Ladakh’s first Unified Ease of Doing Business Portal, which offers 23 online services across 13 departments and has significantly simplified procedures by reducing manual processes.
Referring to tourism sector reforms and deregulation measures, Saxena informed the Council that tourist arrivals in Ladakh between January and May 2026 increased by nearly 44 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. Tourist arrivals during May 2026 alone recorded a remarkable growth of 121 per cent, reflecting the region’s growing appeal as a major tourism destination.

Concluding his address, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated the Administration’s commitment to building an environmentally sustainable, economically vibrant, and socially inclusive Ladakh through innovation-driven development and participatory governance.