The District Administration Kargil hosted a welcome event for Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on his maiden visit to the district at the Auditorium Hall on July 27. During the event, LG Gupta virtually laid foundation stones and e-inaugurated multiple infrastructure and irrigation projects worth ₹180.24 crore.

Among the major projects inaugurated or launched were:
•    Construction of a 300-metre double-lane motorable bridge over the Suru River with pedestrian pathways (₹76.10 crore)
•    A 25m span motorable bridge with a link road from Shakardo to Zungthang (₹5.29 crore)
•    A 30m steel plate girder bridge at Brakfos Ayet Hagnis with approach roads (₹4.80 crore)
•    A motorable bridge over the Lungnak River at Testa Lungnak (₹4.39 crore)
•    Upgradation of the link road from NH-301 to Khows Namsuru (₹24.04 crore)
•    Widening and upgradation of Namsuru-Tangole Road (₹38.42 crore)
•    Construction of an irrigation canal from Paldar Takpo to Tashi Stongday (₹7.70 crore)
•    Installation of 50 solar submersible pumps for irrigation purposes (₹19.50 crore)

Addressing the gathering, LG Gupta affirmed the Government of India and UT Administration’s commitment to realizing the developmental aspirations of Kargil. He emphasized that the projects launched demonstrate that Kargil is on the path of rapid development. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the welfare of remote regions and highlighted the significance of the recent decision to designate five districts in Ladakh.

LG Gupta also shared insights from his interactions with delegations in Kargil and Drass, noting positive feedback on the ongoing developmental efforts. He highlighted road and air connectivity, including the opening of the Zoji La Tunnel, as critical priorities, calling it a future game-changer for year-round access. He also mentioned ongoing efforts with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to facilitate the resumption of civilian flights from Kargil Airport.

On tourism, LG Gupta stressed the need to strengthen road infrastructure to boost Ladakh’s tourism economy and generate livelihood opportunities for local youth.

Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, while appreciating LG Gupta’s visit, stressed the need for: District status for Sankoo and Shakar-Chiktan, Extension of the civil airport at Kargil, Establishment of an Agriculture University, Upgrading the District Hospital to a 200-bedded facility.

Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan, also welcomed LG Gupta and shared the people’s optimism regarding inclusive development under his leadership. He reinforced demands for resuming civilian air services from Kargil.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, apprised the LG of recent accolades earned by the Municipal Committee Kargil. SSP Kargil, Shree Raam R., IPS, delivered the vote of thanks.

The event witnessed participation from LAHDC Councillors, Executive Councillors, MP Ladakh, heads of religious and social organizations, civil society members, sectoral heads, HoDs, and cultural troupes from Kargil’s diverse ethnic communities.