A high-level delegation of the Changthang Welfare and Development Committee, comprising nambardars, village heads, and civil society representatives from Nyoma, Rong, and Rupshu blocks, called on Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on April 11 to submit a memorandum on the strategic and administrative future of the Changthang region.

The delegation expressed gratitude to the Government of India, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for the announcement of five new districts, including Changthang. They stated that the reorganisation is a significant step towards strengthening border security and addressing depopulation in sensitive frontier areas.

Key highlights of the memorandum included:
Operationalisation of Changthang district:
The committee urged the Lieutenant Governor to expedite the official notification of the new district and sought a time-bound plan for establishing offices of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

Demand for a dedicated district council:
To strengthen grassroots governance, the delegation proposed a dedicated council for Changthang to safeguard the unique Changpa nomadic lifestyle, manage high-altitude grazing systems, and improve delivery of public services to remote areas currently facing challenges due to distance from Leh.

Revival of wool development programmes:
Highlighting that Changthang accounts for nearly 80 per cent of Ladakh’s livestock, the committee called for proportional funding and revival of the Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) to strengthen the Pashmina value chain and support nomadic livelihoods.

Wildlife boundary rationalisation:
The delegation raised concerns over the long-pending issue of wildlife sanctuary boundary rationalisation. They pointed out that the lack of legal clarity is preventing residents from registering land and commercial establishments, thereby hindering socio-economic development.

Establishment of development institutions:
The committee proposed setting up a Changthang Development Authority based in Nyoma Sub-Division and a dedicated youth hostel in Leh for students and youth from the region.

Promotion of border tourism:
The memorandum also advocated expanding tourism to strategic villages such as Demchok and Chumur, and developing the Rong Valley as a geothermal and alpine tourism destination to diversify the local economy and generate employment.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, representatives said, “Our region stands as the first line of defence at the border. Bringing governance closer through a dedicated district and council will empower nomadic communities and ensure that border villages remain vibrant and secure.”

The Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that the Union Territory administration is committed to equitable development across Ladakh, with special emphasis on border areas and sustainable livelihoods for nomadic communities.