Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, undertook a two-day tour of Changthang to review the progress of developmental works, inspect key public infrastructure projects, and interact with residents across several remote villages, including Korzok, Puga, Kharnak and Gya.

The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Administrative Secretary, School Education Department, Bhanu Prabha; Administrative Secretary, Public Works Department, Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary; Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Nitish Kumar; Superintendent of Police, Changthang, Abbass Jafari; Chief Engineer, Power Development Department, Tsewang Paljor; Assistant Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, Dr. Asif; Consultant/OSD, Moses Kunzang, along with other concerned officers.

On the first day, the Chief Secretary visited Korzok village, where he interacted with local representatives and residents. A delegation led by former Councillor Karma Namdak highlighted several public issues, including poor mobile and internet connectivity, the need to establish a Tsangda system, enhanced employment opportunities in J&K Bank, and the early completion of the under-construction primary school.

Another delegation representing the Tibetan refugee communities of Sumdho and Chumur requested the construction of a community hall and raised other developmental concerns related to their settlements.

During his visit, Kundra also inspected the ongoing construction of the PWD Rest House at Korzok and directed the executing agencies to ensure its timely completion while maintaining quality standards.

On the second day, the Chief Secretary visited the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Korzok, where he reviewed healthcare facilities, interacted with medical staff, and enquired about infrastructure, manpower and operational challenges. He assured the officials that their concerns would be examined by the administration.

He later visited Puga to inspect the progress of the geothermal drilling project. Reviewing the ongoing works with concerned officials, Kundra stressed the need for timely execution, considering the project's strategic importance for sustainable energy development in Ladakh.

The Chief Secretary also inspected the under-construction Centralised Residential School at Puga and directed the executing agencies to expedite the work so that the institution could become operational at the earliest for the benefit of students from the region.

During his interaction with public delegations and local representatives from Angkong, Samad, Sumdho and Thukjey villages, several issues were raised, including improvement of mobile and internet connectivity, resolution of the land dispute at Serchu, implementation of the proposed solar power project, construction of PVC shelters for shepherds and yak herders, completion of road infrastructure, and other developmental needs.

Kundra also visited Kharnak village, where he met members of the Pashmina Growers community led by Thinles Nurboo, General Secretary of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society (ACPGCMS). The delegation expressed gratitude to the UT Administration for providing a 25 per cent subsidy on pashmina, sanctioning an ₹8 crore revolving fund for the society, and establishing the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board.

During the programme, the Chief Secretary distributed cheques to pashmina growers under the concerned scheme. Another delegation, led by the Nambardar of Kharnak, submitted several demands related to infrastructure, public services and local development.

The tour concluded with the Chief Secretary's visit to Government High School, Gya, where he was received by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kharu. He interacted with teachers, students and local representatives from nearby villages.

Headmaster Nilza Angmo welcomed the Chief Secretary and highlighted the need to strengthen school infrastructure and improve educational facilities. Members of the Village Education Committee (VEC) sought the early completion and handover of the Samagra Shiksha building, deployment of additional doctors to improve healthcare services, effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, and attention to other developmental requirements of the area.

Throughout the tour, the Chief Secretary patiently heard public grievances and suggestions and assured residents that all genuine concerns would be examined in coordination with the concerned departments. He directed officials to ensure regular monitoring of developmental works and emphasised the timely implementation of projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure and improving public service delivery in the remote areas of Changthang.