Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Administrative Secretaries on March 16 to assess the progress of ongoing projects, schemes, and departmental works across Ladakh. The meeting also focused on key challenges faced by various departments and strategies to address them effectively.

During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor urged Administrative Secretaries to intensify their efforts and work with renewed commitment for Ladakh’s development. He emphasised that the region holds immense potential across multiple sectors, which must be fully harnessed for its overall progress and prosperity.

Calling Administrative Secretaries the backbone of the administrative machinery, Saxena said their efficiency and commitment would play a crucial role in determining the pace of Ladakh’s development. He noted that Ladakh has the potential to emerge as the best Union Territory in the country and stressed the need for officials to deliver tangible results for public welfare.

The Lieutenant Governor issued several directions to departments aimed at improving civic infrastructure, environmental protection, tourism development, and livelihood opportunities.

Emphasising cleanliness and proper urban planning in Leh town, he directed authorities to ensure a clean environment with zero tolerance for littering. He also called for corrective measures in poorly planned areas, installation of uniform signage, and roadside plantation to reduce dust and pollution.

He further stressed the need for proper road markings, especially near schools, hospitals, and sensitive zones, along with clearly designated parking and no-parking areas. He directed that footpaths be cleaned regularly and that dustbins be installed at appropriate locations.

Highlighting the importance of preserving Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, Saxena called for adopting a zero-plastic policy. He also directed departments to plan additional Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) keeping future requirements in mind, and to explore modern solutions such as Decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (DSTPs). He emphasised that Leh and Kargil should be developed as zero-discharge towns on priority.

Addressing water scarcity, he stressed identifying at least 50 locations for developing water bodies to store snowmelt and glacial water, ensuring reliable irrigation sources for farmers.

The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised skill development to empower youth, urging efforts to transform them from job seekers into job providers.

He called for exploring Ladakh’s wind energy potential and strengthening sports infrastructure, including facilities for archery, skiing, and hot-air ballooning, with proper amenities at designated locations.

Highlighting tourism as a key economic driver, Saxena stressed developing Ladakh into a leading tourist destination. He proposed tent cities at scenic locations, procurement of 20-seater luxury buses, and a fully online booking system. He also directed the Tourism Department to prepare a comprehensive plan to boost winter tourism.

The Lieutenant Governor further highlighted the potential for large-scale cultivation of high-value flowers such as tulips, gladiolus, and lilies, and emphasised promoting authentic Ladakhi Pashmina as a key identity of the region.

He also suggested exploring the commercial potential of high-quality salt produced in the Tsokar area as a source of local employment.

Earlier, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra presented an overview of ongoing projects and schemes and briefed the Lieutenant Governor on key administrative challenges.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra; Commissioner/Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr L. Franklin; and Administrative Secretaries including Shashanka Ala, Bhupesh Chaudhary, Baseer-ul-Haq, Sanjit Rodrigues, P.T. Rudra Goud, Bhanu Prabha, Qureshi Tariq Mehmood, and Moses Kunzang.