Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on April 12 laid the foundation stone for the development and beautification of rGyal Khatoon Park and Sher Bagh Park in Kargil. Both projects are being undertaken under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme.

The rGyal Khatoon Park is being developed at a cost of ₹2.98 crore and is expected to be completed within 18 months. The park will span an area of 25,250 square metres (2.525 hectares). Located nearby in Baroo, Sher Bagh Park is also being developed at a cost of ₹2.98 crore, with a similar completion timeline of 18 months, covering an area of 34,190 square metres (3.419 hectares).

Both parks will feature modern amenities, including footpaths, water facilities, lighting, children’s play equipment, CCTV surveillance, waterfalls, and other essential infrastructure.

The rGyal Khatoon Park is named in memory of the mother of a renowned king of the Suru Karchay region, Khree Mohammad Sultan Cho. rGyal Khatoon, later known as Thila Khatoon, was the daughter of Sheikh Murad and sister of the famous Ali Sher Khan Anchan of the Yabgo dynasty of Khapulu, now in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor extended warm greetings to the people of Kargil and congratulated them on the launch of this significant urban development initiative. He noted that the parks would not only benefit local residents but also enhance the experience of tourists visiting the region.

He stated that the parks would be equipped with modern civic amenities and well-planned infrastructure, including walking and jogging tracks, landscaped green spaces, seating areas, children’s play zones, and improved lighting, ensuring a vibrant and comfortable environment for people of all age groups.

Highlighting the natural beauty of Kargil, the Lieutenant Governor remarked that while the region’s snow-clad mountains add unmatched charm, collective efforts are equally important to maintain cleanliness and preserve the aesthetic appeal of public spaces. He urged citizens to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and well-maintained.

He further emphasized that the development of such recreational spaces would significantly boost tourism and improve Kargil’s overall urban environment.

The Lieutenant Governor also announced plans to visit Kargil Bazaar to review the town’s development needs. He stressed the importance of holistic urban planning and said discussions would be held with Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, and Member of Parliament for Ladakh, Mohmad Hanifa Jan, to strengthen development strategies for the region.

Earlier, a plantation drive was organized by the Forest Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh at Bemathang. During the event, the Lieutenant Governor planted saplings as part of an initiative to enhance green cover and promote environmental conservation in the region.