Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, during his visit to Sub-Division Zanskar on February 22, toured Kargyak village — the last inhabited village of Zanskar — where he attended a Public Darbar and held extensive interactions with local residents and public representatives.

At Kargyak, he was warmly welcomed by Councillor of Cha Constituency, Stanzin Lakpa, who expressed gratitude for the Chief Secretary’s visit to the remote region despite harsh weather conditions. He remarked that the visit reflected the UT Administration’s commitment to ensuring governance at the doorstep of the people.

During the interaction, Councillor Lakpa raised several key issues, including the installation of a DG set to strengthen power supply for Testa village and the provision of transition line power supply from the Raru Power Project to Testa and Kargyak villages. Highlighting manpower shortages, he also sought the posting of a lineman in the area. He emphasised the need for proper traffic regulation at Shinkula and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister, and the Central Government for various developmental initiatives in Zanskar. He also acknowledged the support extended by the UT and district administrations.

Underscoring the strategic importance of the Nimmo–Padum–Darcha (NPD) Road, the Councillor requested that it be declared a project of national importance. He further urged the Administration to address the issue of drug abuse and proposed shifting police check posts closer to the Himachal border along the NPD Road to ensure better monitoring before entry into villages.

Villagers of Kargyak presented vibrant cultural performances to welcome the Chief Secretary, while several delegations submitted memorandums highlighting local concerns and developmental needs.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra thanked the villagers for their warm reception and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to the welfare and holistic development of the region. He directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to prepare a schedule for regular field visits by departmental officers to closely monitor developmental works and promptly address public grievances.

During his tour, the Chief Secretary also visited Cha village of Lungnak Block, where priority sanction of the Puktal Bridge and upgradation of the Pipche link road were sought. Delegations from the village submitted memorandums outlining their developmental requirements.

At Raru village, local delegations raised demands related to irrigation canals, link roads, strengthening of educational infrastructure, separate power transmission lines, and upgradation of the medical centre.

The Chief Secretary also inspected the Raru Hydroelectric Power Project (KREDA) (2×1000 KV) and reviewed its utility, power generation, and consumption status with concerned officials. He further visited the 220 KV GIS Sub-Station and Progress Line-2, where officials informed him that the project is expected to become functional before the end of October, which will significantly improve power supply in the region.

Additionally, he visited the ice skiing site in Zanskar and interacted with members of the Zanskar Ski School. The members highlighted the need for skill-based training courses and the organisation of skiing tournaments to nurture young talent and promote winter sports in the region. The Chief Secretary asked stakeholders to submit a detailed proposal, assuring that necessary support would be examined.

The visit underscored the Administration’s focused approach towards strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery, promoting sports and tourism, and addressing public aspirations through direct engagement and coordinated action.

The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; SSP Kargil, Nitin Yadav; SDM Zanskar, Omkar Rajendra Gundage; Chief Engineers of R&B, Power Development Department, and Irrigation & PHE; Councillors of LAHDC; Under Secretary, Education; Tehsildar Zanskar; Executive Engineers of R&B and PHE; along with other senior officials, public representatives, and heads of religious and regional communities.