Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, interacted with the National Defence College (NDC-66) delegation, comprising senior officers from the Armed Forces and civil and foreign services, at the Council Secretariat, Leh, on September 22.

During the interaction, discussions focused on Ladakh’s infrastructure development, tourism, connectivity, environment, water conservation, renewable energy and the region’s strategic importance.

The Chief Secretary highlighted the outcomes of infrastructure development in Ladakh and the challenges posed by harsh winters. He apprised the delegation of initiatives such as heated hostel facilities, which have significantly improved winter preparedness and living conditions.

Tourism was discussed in the context of sustainable growth, trekking, ecology, road connectivity and the need for an appropriate regulatory framework.

The potential and economic viability of solar energy in Ladakh were also deliberated upon, along with the need for enhanced domestic and international air connectivity to support the region’s development and tourism sector.

On water conservation, the Chief Secretary highlighted initiatives under the vision of the Lieutenant Governor, including the conservation of natural water resources and innovative measures such as Ice stupas in remote areas.

The delegation also discussed the GI tagging of Ladakh’s traditional products, the Indus River, the Kailash route and other issues of strategic, environmental and developmental significance.

The Chief Secretary also emphasised continued coordination between the civil administration and the Armed Forces, highlighting their strong partnership with local communities. He stressed the need to further strengthen community engagement to address emerging challenges and support sustainable development in Ladakh.