Recognising its immense ecological, environmental and social significance, Saxena directed the redevelopment of the Forest area with amenities like pedestrian pathways, children’s play area and public conveniences. Thereafter, the works started in a mission mode and within a short span of 45 days, the restoration and redevelopment works were completed. The upgraded facilities now include eco-friendly cycling tracks, dedicated children’s play areas, gazebos, proper pedestrian pathways, resting spaces and study corners equipped with books and literature on wildlife and environmental conservation.

Spread over nearly 27 acres of land and located around 7 km from Leh city along the River Indus, the Choglamsar Protected Forest was established in the 1970s on a barren and erosion-prone land. Over the years, despite playing a crucial role in stabilising the Indus riverbanks, conserving soil, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening the fragile ecological balance of the Himalayan region, the forest area had fallen into a neglected state and required urgent restoration and upgradation.

Speaking on the occasion, Saxena described the Choglamsar Protected Forest as one of Ladakh’s most valuable ecological treasures and said that the forest symbolises resilience, restoration and harmony between humanity and nature. “At a time when climate change poses serious challenges to fragile mountain ecosystems, Choglamsar Protected Forest stands as a powerful example of ecological restoration and environmental stewardship. Our objective is not merely to develop a park, but to create a model ecological destination rooted in the principle of ‘Conservation First’, where conservation, education, recreation and community participation coexist in harmony,” LG said.

On the occasion, the LG also released a brochure on the Choglamsar Protected Forest highlighting its ecological significance, conservation objectives and management initiatives. Further, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment and the University of Ladakh for undertaking comprehensive research-based engagement for conservation and propagation of the endangered Juniper species (Juniperus semiglobosa), which is the State Tree of Ladakh. Saxena also formally released the new uniform code for forest and wildlife field staff of the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.

Saxena appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Forest Department, environmental experts, local stakeholders and all individuals associated with the preservation and restoration of the protected forest.

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The unified portal would provide businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, MSMEs, and other stakeholders with a unified and seamless online mechanism to access various government services and approvals through a single online interface. Aligned with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s dictum of “Ease of Doing Business” and “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”, this initiative will also enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability, while accelerating economic growth, enterprise development and investment promotion in Ladakh.

As part of the current rollout, 13 departments have been incorporated with the portal, with 23 online services already made live. The Administration aims to progressively expand the platform by onboarding additional departments and services in a phased manner. The portal provides access to online services from departments, including Tourism, Public Health Engineering, Industries and Commerce, along with information regarding schemes, incentives, policies, Acts, Rules, Notifications and procedures of the UT Administration.

Key features of the portal include a Common Application Form (CAF), Single Sign-On access, PAN authentication, SMS and e-mail notifications, live application tracking, integrated payment gateway, grievance redressal mechanism and workflow-based approvals. Applicants can also monitor approval timelines, pendency and grievance status through an interactive dashboard.

“The Ease of Doing Business Portal marks a major milestone in Ladakh’s journey towards digital governance and administrative reforms. By integrating services of multiple departments onto a single transparent and technology-driven platform, we are ensuring faster approvals, reducing procedural delays and creating a more business-friendly environment in Ladakh. This initiative will strengthen investor confidence, promote entrepreneurship and contribute towards economic growth and employment generation in the Union Territory,” Saxena said.

The key features of the EoDB Portal include the following:

·       Common Application Form (CAF): Applicants can submit core information once, enabling reuse across multiple departmental applications and reducing repetitive documentation.

·       SMS & e-Mail Authentication and notifications: A unified service platform with Single Sign-on to access multiple services with SMS and e-Mail notifications at every stage of application processes.

·       PAN Authentication: Real-time identity verification integrated with CBDT databases for seamless applicant authentication.

·       Unified Digital Services Framework: A centralised digital interface for availing approvals, registrations, clearances, renewals, and certificates from multiple departments through a single platform.

·       Integrated Payment Architecture: Provision has been made for seamless online payment integration for departmental services through a unified digital payment mechanism.

·       Grievance Redressal Mechanism: An in-built digital grievance module enabling applicants to raise concerns, monitor status, and facilitate timely resolution of issues.

·       Interactive Dashboard & Application Tracking: Applicants can monitor application status, approval stages, timelines, pendency, service history, and grievance resolution through a real-time interactive dashboard.

·       Timeline-Based Approvals: The platform supports digitally monitored service timelines aimed at improving efficiency, ensuring timely disposal of applications, and reducing procedural delays.

·       Transparent Approval Mechanism: The system enables transparent processing of applications with clearly defined workflows, digital movement of files, and real-time status visibility for applicants.

·       Auto Appeal System: The portal incorporates automated escalation and appeal mechanisms to facilitate the timely resolution of pending applications and grievances.

·       Delay Accountability Framework: The system enables monitoring of delays and pendency at various stages, thereby strengthening institutional accountability and service delivery efficiency.

·       Cross-Departmental Service Delivery: The portal facilitates integrated access to multiple departmental services through a common governance framework.

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On the directions of L-G Saxena, nearly 800 acres of barren land have been identified near Spituk village in Leh, for the innovative pilot project. This land has been lying barren for hundreds of years. Under this project, the unutilised or excess water from the adjoining Igoo – Phey irrigation Canal, which was recently restored and operationalized by the L-G, is being spread over this land by creating temporary channels and minor earthwork interventions using tractors and other machinery.

With less than 100 mm of annual rainfall, Ladakh relies heavily on glacial meltwater for survival. But the glacial meltwater, in the early Springs, flows too fast for the soil to absorb enough moisture, causing soil erosion down the valleys and triggering an immediate drop in groundwater recharge and soil moisture, transforming agricultural fields into arid, dusty wastelands.

The idea behind this project is to fundamentally alter the local ecosystem using freshwater and kickstart a transformation – from a degraded environment to a productive one. Letting freshwater sit and percolate, will recharge the depleted groundwater, triggering the growth of natural vegetation, and can enable sustainable agriculture or afforestation. Instead of employing complex, energy and cost-intensive solutions that would only put additional burden on Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, Shri Saxena has resorted to simple and hyper-local freshwater engineering, while ideating this project.

Freshwater discharge would restore the degraded land by flushing out toxic salts, rehydrating parched subsoils, and dissolving essential nutrients for plant absorption. This initiative aims at achieving a mix of immediate and long-term benefits, including:

Ecological Transformation & Groundwater Recharge: By allowing the fresh water to sit and percolate in the soil, depleted aquifers will be replenished. This will raise the local water table, creating a reliable water source in the surrounding areas.

Vegetation Growth: Barren soils contain dormant seeds that will quickly germinate, when exposed to moisture. Grasses and hardy shrubs are the first to emerge, followed by larger plants, over the period of time.

Soil Binding: Once fresh water allows native vegetation to take root, their newly grown roots, bind the loose, dry soil together, protecting it from wind and water erosion, which primarily cause land degradation.

Soil Desalinization: Flushing barren or heavily salinized soil with fresh water helps wash harmful salts and minerals, deeper into the ground, away from the surface root zones. This would further revitalize the soil and boost the growth of vegetation.

Agricultural & Economic Potential: With restored soil moisture and a reliable source of irrigation, the barren/degraded land can be converted for crop cultivation or livestock grazing.

“This initiative is expected to become a model for sustainable irrigation expansion, improved agricultural productivity and ecological restoration across Ladakh. Nearly 800 acres of barren land are being watered using the excess water from Igoo-Phey Canal, for increasing the moisture content in the soil and triggering a process of natural rejuvenation of the soil,” said LG- Saxena. The initiative is aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s call for restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

This project comes after Saxena successfully executed the innovative ‘Project Him Sarovar’ to harness abundant snow for long-term water security by creating small water bodies. Furthermore, the crucial Igoo-Phey Canal, which is designed to irrigate over 4,300 hectares of land across several Ladakh villages, and has been lying unused for several years, has also been successfully restored and operationalised by Shri Saxena on 15 May 2026.

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The helicopter, a newer variant of the Cheetah equipped with a TM333B engine, met with an accident during an afternoon sortie. Army officials said the aircraft was carrying two pilots and Division Commander Major General Sachin Mehta at the time of the crash.

All three sustained injuries but are safe and stable, officials added. The two pilots were admitted to hospital with minor injuries.

The Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of the helicopter crash.

A selfie taken moments after an Army helicopter crash in eastern Ladakh has gone viral, showing injured officers who survived the crash smiling beside the wreckage in what many are calling a miraculous escape. The incident involved an Army Cheetah helicopter that crashed in the Tangste region near Leh on May 20.

The incident took place on Wednesday, but the details emerged on Friday. The helicopter was carrying Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3 Infantry Division, along with two pilots a lieutenant colonel and a major. Despite the difficult terrain and dangerous flying conditions, all three officers survived with minor injuries.

After the incident, a selfie has emerged showing an injured Major General Mehta can be seen standing near the damaged helicopter while one of the pilots flashes a victory sign. The officials said the officers are safe and stable.

The Cheetah helicopter is a long-serving aircraft in the Indian Army and is commonly used for transport, surveillance and supply operations in remote Himalayan areas. These helicopters play a major role in supporting troops stationed in difficult regions including Siachen.

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Earlier, a tripartite MoU signed with ONGC on 6 February 2021 had expired on 5 February 2026. Since then, ONGC has been requesting an extension of the MoU as a lot of work had remained incomplete due to harsh weather conditions.

Considering the significance of this project, LG Saxena granted an extension of the MoU between the Ladakh Administration, LAHDC Leh and ONGC Energy Centre for another 5 years. As per the MoU, the ONGC will set up a 1 MW pilot geothermal power plant in Puga Valley, along with the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), for large-scale commercial exploitation of geothermal energy in Ladakh.

Geothermal energy is the heat extracted from beneath the earth’s crust. This naturally renewable heat originates from the planet’s core and warms up the surrounding rocks and underground water reservoirs. So far, India does not yet have a large-scale, commercial geothermal power plant, and hence, the geothermal energy plant being developed in Puga Valley in Ladakh will be the first of its kind in India.

As per the MoU, ONGC Energy Centre will deepen the existing geothermal well up to 1000 metres during the 2026 working season itself, and drill another geothermal well of 1000 meters depth in the next phase of the project. The testing, evaluation and commissioning of the pilot geothermal power plant is expected in 2026–27.

Subsequently, under Phase II of the project, surveys and geothermal investigations will be conducted in the Chumathang area, followed by drilling activities and preparation of DPR for commercial-scale geothermal development in Ladakh. It may be noted that the Puga Valley and Chumathang areas in Ladakh lie within the Himalayan geothermal belt, where two tectonic plates collide, generating intense underground heat. Test well dug in Puga Valley has successfully tapped high-pressure steam and hot fluids, generating more than 200°C of heat at a depth of just 400 meters.

The geothermal initiative, along with solar energy projects in Ladakh, would help reduce dependence on conventional fuels, lower carbon emissions and position Ladakh as a leading renewable energy hub in the country, as envisioned by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

“The geothermal energy project in Puga Valley has the potential to become a game changer for Ladakh and a landmark initiative in India’s clean energy journey. Sustainably harnessing geothermal energy will not only strengthen Ladakh’s energy security but also significantly contribute towards the vision of making Ladakh a carbon-neutral and environmentally sustainable region”, LG said.

Despite extremely challenging terrain, harsh weather conditions, and technical complexities, ONGC successfully drilled the first geothermal well to a depth of 405 metres in 2025, making it the deepest geothermal well drilled in Ladakh to date.

Geothermometric studies and analysis of geothermal samples revealed the subsurface temperatures exceeding 240 degrees Celsius, which are considered adequate for geothermal power generation. The proposed pilot power plant is expected to operate at a turbine inlet temperature of approximately 200 degrees Celsius with a targeted generation capacity of 1 MW.

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The ‘Industry’ status for hotels and guest houses would make them eligible for electricity & water tariffs at industrial rates, which are cheaper than the commercial rates currently applicable to these units. This would also make them eligible to avail concessional bank loans, under the State/ Central Govt industrial policies. Further, these hotels and guest houses would also be exempted from Property Tax. These hotels and guest houses will also be able to access capital incentives, subsidies and support schemes, as applicable to other eligible units, under any Government of India incentive schemes.

At present, hotels, guest houses, resorts and homestays in Ladakh are charged commercial electricity tariffs, i.e. at the rate of Rs 5.49 per unit. But with the “Industry status”, the eligible units will now be entitled to industrial electricity tariff, of Rs 4.10 per unit. Similarly, commercial water tariffs, currently applicable to tourism establishments, range between Rs 28 to Rs 46 per kilolitre, depending upon the consumption slabs, whereas industrial water tariffs range from Rs 26 to Rs 29 per kilolitre, offering substantial relief to tourism units. Significant reductions will also apply to flat-rate water connections.

In effect, these incentives and concessions would reduce the operational cost of these lodging/boarding establishments, enhance investor confidence, improve project viability, facilitate access to institutional finance and enable tourism enterprises to avail benefits under the industrial policies and infrastructure support mechanism.

“Granting ‘industry’ status to hotels & guest houses will significantly strengthen the hospitality sector in Ladakh. Apart from reducing operational costs and improving investment potential, this historic reform will play a vital role in local employment and livelihood creation and regional development. The hospitality and tourism sector has significant potential to catalyse sustainable economic development and tourism promotion in Ladakh,” LG Saxena said. This reform will also enhance visitor experience and further establish Ladakh as a world-class tourism destination rooted in sustainability, culture and hospitality, Saxena added.

It is noteworthy that this decision would benefit 1257 hotels/guest houses in Ladakh – 1078 in Leh and 179 in Kargil – that employ thousands of staff. However, barring a few, most of these hotels remain operational for just 6 months a year and they shut down during the winters. This results in high maintenance costs, often making the business unsustainable.

The decision is also aligned with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s push for strengthening the domestic tourism and hospitality sector by granting them “Industry” status and creating an enabling environment through suitable policy guidelines and incentives such as capital subsidies, in order to encourage investment.

The decision comes following several representations from tourism stakeholders, particularly the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, seeking extension of industrial electricity and water tariffs to hotels and guest houses operating in Ladakh. Stakeholders had highlighted the increasing operational burden on tourism establishments due to high commercial utility tariffs, especially during the harsh winter months, when heating and water requirements substantially increase.

The Department of Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, shall function as the nodal department for certifying eligible units and the implementation of the notification.

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The reconstitution of the Board has been approved following a proposal received from the Police Headquarters, Ladakh, in view of administrative changes and the unavailability of certain members of the earlier Board. As a result, Police Headquarters proposed the constitution of a fresh Recruitment Board to ensure the smooth and timely conduct of recruitment examinations in Ladakh Police.

The Board is responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for all notified Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted) posts, including Sub-Inspector (Level-6C), and Group ‘C’ posts, including Constable (Level-02) cadre and Follower Level-SL-2 posts of Ladakh Police.

Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, stated that the reconstitution of the Recruitment Board reflects the commitment of the UT Administration towards ensuring fair, transparent and merit-based recruitment opportunities for the youth of Ladakh. “The Administration is committed to providing every youth of Ladakh with equal and transparent opportunities in public service. A credible and professionally managed recruitment system would further strengthen the confidence of aspiring candidates and create greater employment opportunities for the local youth,” Saxena said.

The newly reconstituted Ladakh Police (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Board shall comprise Koshal Kumar Sharma, DIG, Leh-Kargil Range, as Chairman; Vikas Kumar, SSP Traffic Ladakh, as Member Secretary, along with Fulzele Piyush Nirakar, SP Security, Raam R, SP District Leh, Nitin Yadav, SP District Kargil, Padma Dorjey, DySP DAR Leh, and Anayatullah, DySP Headquarters Kargil, as members of the Board.

The Board has been entrusted with the task of ensuring a fair, transparent, technology-enabled and merit-based recruitment process through the Transparent Recruitment Process (TRP). The Board has been mandated to use biometric verification, CCTV surveillance, digital attendance systems, online applications and other technological safeguards approved by the Board to maintain integrity and credibility in the recruitment process.

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Under the new wage rationalisation framework, these workers will be categorised into “unskilled” and “skilled” workers. As per the new wage matrix, the skilled workers will be paid wages at the rate of Rs 575 per day, while unskilled workers will be paid at the rate of Rs 450 per day. The revised wages will be determined on a pro-rata basis, depending on their duty hours and the nature of work.

This will result in a manifold increase in the wages of these workers and thus bring a major relief for such wage earners, who have been working as sweepers, gardeners, cleaners, etc., in the Union Territory of Ladakh. These workers include a large number of migrant workers as well as locals, who were forced to work for such abysmally low wages due to the long-prevailing wage anomaly.

The decision follows a number of representations to the Lieutenant Governor from daily wagers engaged across different departments of the Administration, requesting the implementation of minimum wages for workers. Taking prompt cognisance of the issue, the Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned departments to undertake comprehensive verification of workers engaged after 17 March 2015, and ensure rationalisation of wages in a fair, transparent and uniform manner.

Lieutenant Governor observed that different departments in the UT Administration had engaged part-time, seasonal and daily-rated workers over the years at varying remuneration levels, resulting in major disparities in wages.

“UT Administration is fully committed to ensuring fair and dignified wages for all workers. Daily wagers, seasonal and part-time workers play a crucial role in strengthening public services and developmental activities across Ladakh, particularly in remote and challenging regions. Every worker deserves fair compensation for their labour and the Administration would do everything required for their welfare in a transparent and accountable manner,” Saxena said.

Lieutenant Governor has directed departments to verify the engagement details, nature of work, working hours and Aadhaar-linked bank details of all workers and submit verified data, within twenty days. The new wages will be paid to these workers strictly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), into their bank accounts in a fair and transparent manner.

The Administration has clarified that the exercise is strictly a wage rationalisation measure and shall not be construed as a commitment to regularise services.

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The MoU was signed by Director, IIT Jammu, Prof Manoj Singh Gaur and Secretary, Higher Education Department, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha.

The development assumes great significance, as for decades, students from Ladakh faced grave challenges in pursuing higher and technical education. For want of a quality technical institution in Ladakh, Ladakhi youths were forced to travel thousands of kilometres, away from home, to study in prestigious institutions. For families living in difficult and remote regions, this often meant emotional hardship, financial burden, and social challenges. However, this collaboration with IIT Jammu would now provide talented students from Ladakh with access to high-quality education closer to their home and open a world of opportunities in research, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.

As per the MoU, in the initial phase, around 40 students from Ladakh will begin pursuing courses at the IIT campus in Jammu from the July – August 2026 academic session onwards. Subsequently, a temporary Satellite Campus of IIT Jammu will be established at the Government Polytechnic College in Leh to facilitate academic activities within Ladakh. In the long term, a full-fledged residential engineering campus is proposed to be developed in Kargil.

To begin with, the campus will offer two future-oriented disciplines — Civil Engineering and Artificial Intelligence & Data Science. These programmes have been selected keeping in view both global technological trends and the developmental requirements of Ladakh. Civil Engineering will focus on sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient construction suited to the mountainous terrains of Ladakh, while Artificial Intelligence and Data Science will prepare students for emerging technological opportunities and digital innovation.

Saxena stated that the collaboration would open the doors of world-class technical education for students from the remote and high-altitude regions of Ladakh and reduce the long-standing educational challenges faced by local families. He noted that the collaboration would create opportunities for faculty exchange, research partnerships, startup incubation, innovation centres and skill development.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said that one of the major priorities of the UT Administration has been to strengthen educational infrastructure in Ladakh and stop the continuous brain drain from the region by creating the best possible academic facilities locally. He further exuded confidence that the initiative would produce future scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers from Ladakh

Saxena expressed gratitude to IIT Jammu for extending its academic excellence and vision to Ladakh and thanked the Government of India for continuously supporting transformative initiatives for border and remote regions.

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Rakesh Kumar assured the Congress members that the matter would be processed strictly as per the provisions of the LAHDC Act and applicable rules.

The rotational power-sharing formula was announced by NC leader Omar Abdullah in October 2023 after the two parties joined hands after the NC bagged 12 seats and Congress 10 in the 30 member LAHDC. The allies together had 22 seats that were 6 more than the majority. BJP managed to win only 2 seats.

Besides the Chairman cum CEC, there are four Executive Councilors—two each from NC and Congress, who enjoy the status of Minister. Two Executive Councilors from Congress are reportedly not attending the office since  18 April when the two and half years term of the Council was completed and change of the chairman went into dispute.

Omar had agreed to the formula of the NC and Congress heading the LAHDC (Kargil) for two and half years each. The first term went to NC and Akhoon was elected Chairman-cum-CEC on 18 October 2023. He completed his term on 18 April 2026.

Discontent started brewing between the two parties when Akhoon refused to step down after completing his term in office.

NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah last week said that there was no dispute on the issue and his party will pass on the chairmanship of LAHDC to Congress as per the 2023 understanding.

Senior Congress leader from Kargil, Asgar Ali Karbalai recently said that discussions were on with the NC for change of leadership of LAHDC.

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The Committee will recommend measures for the establishment and operationalisation of key district-level offices in the new districts and examine any consequential administrative, financial or logistical issues arising out of the creation of the five districts.

The constitution of the Committee follows the approval given by the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Saxena, for the notification of five new districts in Ladakh, on April 27. The development marks a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring efficient administrative functioning in the newly constituted districts of Changthang, Nubra, Sham, Zanskar and Drass.

The Committee has been entrusted with the responsibility to examine and recommend measures for operationalisation of the newly created districts, including reorganisation and rationalisation of the jurisdiction of subdivisions, tehsils, niabats, girdawar/qanungo circles and patwar halqas in conformity with the notified territorial limits. This will ensure a smooth administrative transition and help establish a robust governance framework in the newly created districts.

“The creation of the new districts is aimed at decentralising governance and ensuring that administrative services reach the doorsteps of the people, particularly those living in remote and far-flung areas. It is, therefore, crucial that the operationalisation of these districts must be carried out in a structured, transparent and time-bound manner, so that the benefits of the new administrative framework reach the masses effectively and efficiently. The UT Administration is committed to building a responsive, efficient and people-centric governance system in Ladakh,” said Lieutenant Governor.

Lieutenant Governor has also directed the Committee to recommend the distribution and re-deployment of staff, records, assets, infrastructure and other resources between the existing and newly created districts. In addition, the Committee will assess the requirement for creation, redeployment and upgradation of posts for the effective functioning of the new districts, including revenue, development and other essential administrative cadres.

The UT-Level Committee will be headed by the Divisional Commissioner/Secretary, Revenue Department, as Chairperson. The Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department, will serve as Member-Convenor, while the Secretary, General Administration Department, and the Deputy Commissioners of Leh and Kargil will serve as members of the Committee.

This development will significantly improve administrative outreach, strengthen service delivery mechanisms, facilitate faster grievance redressal and ensure more focused developmental planning in remote and underserved areas of Ladakh.

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During the inspection, officials from the Sheep Husbandry Department, Cooperatives Department, Industries & Commerce Department and All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the functioning of the plant and the different processes involved in converting raw pashmina into fine quality dehaired fibre sourced from Changthang.

He was informed that raw pashmina fiber sheared from Changthang goats contains a significant amount of dust, mud, grease and other impurities accumulated during grazing in high-altitude pastures. The fiber undergoes a detailed cleaning and scouring process involving multiple washing, rinsing, drying and conditioning stages before being subjected to the dehairing process, where the fine pashmina fiber is separated from coarse fiber.

Reiterating his vision to establish Ladakh as a global hub for the finest pashmina, Saxena emphasised the need to ensure greater recognition and economic benefits for the nomadic herders and pastoral communities of Changthang engaged in pashmina production. He stated that strengthening local processing, improving quality standards and promoting value addition within Ladakh would significantly enhance the livelihoods of pashmina growers while preserving the region’s traditional heritage.

He directed the officials to explore the possibility of utilising coarse fiber for manufacturing products such as rugs and carpets, which have significant market demand and can generate additional livelihood opportunities for local communities. He also directed that focus be given on spinning and yarn production of pashmina fiber and providing training to entrepreneurs in this regard to build their capacity.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the dehairing facility forms an important part of the UT Administration’s larger efforts to develop a sustainable and globally competitive pashmina ecosystem in Ladakh by modernising infrastructure, enhancing local employment opportunities and promoting indigenous products in national and international markets.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned departments to take necessary steps to ensure optimal utilisation of modern infrastructure for enhancing production efficiency and maintaining global quality standards.

The Lieutenant Governor was informed that only around 24 per cent of the pashmina fiber produced in Ladakh is currently utilised locally, while trial interventions undertaken for spinning of pashmina fibre at centres in Bengaluru and Delhi on a trial basis have shown encouraging and successful results. Officials also informed that Ladakh’s raw pashmina fiber has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, while efforts are underway to secure GI tagging for hand-spun pashmina as well.

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On this occasion, the Lieutenant Governor described the mass plantation drive as a significant step towards securing Ladakh’s future and preserving its fragile ecosystem.

Exhorting the people of Ladakh to actively participate in plantation drives and environmental conservation activities, Lieutenant Governor also announced a new public participation programme under which every family in Ladakh would be encouraged to plant at least 10 saplings and ensure their survival. Families with the highest survival rate of planted trees would be recognised and awarded.

Since assuming charge as the Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Saxena has been working on a war footing to increase plantation drives across the region by introducing different species of trees and plants suited to Ladakh’s climatic conditions. These efforts are aimed at enhancing green cover, combating environmental degradation and developing Ladakh into a sustainable and eco-friendly region.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem requires extensive plantation efforts to combat environmental challenges and secure the future of the coming generations. He stated that nature-based solutions are the key to addressing environmental concerns and noted that the plantation of cherry saplings marks a new initiative in Ladakh aimed at introducing diverse plant species suitable for the region.

Lieutenant Governor Saxena informed that more than 8,000 saplings have already been planted across Ladakh since he assumed office as the Lieutenant Governor, and said that the plantation of 2100 cherry saplings is another important milestone towards enhancing the green cover and enriching Ladakh’s floral diversity.

Saxena lauded the efforts of Drikung Dharma Foundation for its continued contribution towards environmental protection and social welfare and appreciated the Foundation’s plantation drives across different parts of Ladakh.

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The 500 KWp on-grid Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Plant on the rooftop of the NDS Ice Hockey Rink in Leh will be installed at an estimated cost of Rs 2.38 crore. It is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and sustainable sports infrastructure in Ladakh. The project will be developed under the Special Development Package (SDP) of the Youth Services and Sports Department, UT Ladakh.

The project will serve as a model for integrating renewable energy solutions into public infrastructure projects across the Union Territory. Under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, efforts are ongoing to actively promote solar energy and other sustainable initiatives in line with its broader objective of environmental protection, clean energy transition and sustainable development in Ladakh.

“The installation of the rooftop solar plant at the NDS Ice Hockey Rink is an important step towards integrating clean energy solutions with modern sports infrastructure. As Ladakh moves towards becoming a carbon-neutral and environmentally sustainable region, such initiatives will help reduce the carbon footprint while promoting green and energy-efficient development. At the same time, the project reflects our commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and creating world-class facilities for the youth of Ladakh,” said Lieutenant Governor Saxena.

Ladakh, being an ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, requires sustainable and climate-responsive infrastructure development. The installation of the Solar Photovoltaic Plant at the NDS Ice Hockey Rink, apart from harnessing the abundance of sunlight, would also contribute towards reducing carbon emissions and further strengthen Ladakh’s efforts to emerge as a carbon-neutral region.

The initiative forms part of the UT Administration’s broader vision to develop environmentally sustainable and modern infrastructure in Ladakh while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. The rooftop SPV plant is expected to significantly reduce electricity consumption costs and promote clean energy usage at the state-of-the-art ice hockey facility.

The Ice Hockey Rink at Leh has already emerged as a major venue for national-level winter sporting events and has successfully hosted the prestigious Khelo India Winter Games for three consecutive years. Plans are afoot to make this facility operational round-the-year.

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The project was undertaken on request of Chering Dorjay Lakrook, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and was attended by GOC Fire and Fury Corps.

More than 300 beneficiaries attended the event and conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army for its continued support and outreach efforts.

Lakrook thanked Indian Army for the unwavering commitment towards the welfare and development of Ladakh. Living up to its motto, Indian Army continues to illuminate lives and strengthen its enduring bond with the resilient people of Ladakh.

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Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has approved the construction of 30 Ladakhi Smart Bus Shelters in Leh. These bus shelters are architecturally inspired by Ladakhi Gonpas and feature amenities such as GPS-enabled real-time bus information systems, heated seats, Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, solar power, and SOS emergency response buttons. The project will be implemented by the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (SIDCO).

At present, the existing bus stops in Leh lack adequate shelter, comfortable seating, protection from extreme weather conditions, and modern passenger amenities. The new smart bus stops will address these gaps by providing safe and comfortable waiting spaces and enhanced safety mechanisms.

The project will feature traditional Ladakhi architectural elements, including Shingtsak woodwork, decorative finishes, traditional Pentsak painting, mud plastering, lime whitewashing, prayer wheel installations, and artistic wall murals.

The smart bus stops will also be equipped with advanced Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and ICT-enabled facilities, including 55-inch Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS), secondary LED display boards, GPS-based real-time bus tracking systems, cloud-based estimated time of arrival (ETA) software, Wi-Fi connectivity, CCTV surveillance systems, and SOS emergency response buttons.

Additional passenger amenities will include mobile and laptop charging stations, first aid kits, emergency oxygen cylinders, fire safety systems, seating arrangements, and tactile tiles for visually impaired passengers. Each bus stop will also incorporate a 2 kWp solar photovoltaic system with battery storage and hybrid inverter systems, along with grid connectivity provisions, helping reduce carbon emissions and dependence on conventional energy sources.

The project was conceptualised by Lieutenant Governor, Saxena, and the DPR was prepared on his directions in response to the growing demand for efficient and comfortable public transport infrastructure in Leh, which serves as a major tourist destination and regional hub.

“The initiative aims to transform public transport infrastructure in Leh by creating modern, sustainable, and people-centric urban infrastructure while preserving Ladakh’s unique cultural and architectural identity. The Ladakhi Smart Bus Stops will not only enhance public transport facilities and passenger comfort, especially during extreme winters, but will also serve as a model for climate-responsive and eco-friendly infrastructure development in high-altitude regions,” said LG, Saxena.

One of the major highlights of the project is the incorporation of heated seating, thermally insulated walls and roofs and wind-protected enclosures, which will significantly benefit passengers during the harsh winter months when temperatures in Ladakh frequently fall below freezing point.

The project seeks to improve passenger convenience, encourage greater use of public transport, and promote sustainable urban mobility solutions in a high-altitude and climate-sensitive region.

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The MoU would formalise collaboration for the effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, a flagship programme of the Government of India, aimed at providing clean and adequate drinking water through functional household tap connections to every rural household.

One of the most striking features of this MoU is the 100 per cent Central funding for water connection in each household in Ladakh, as declared by the Minister, Patil. Treating Ladakh as a special case, the Ministry would bear the entire cost of Rs 4 lakh per water connection in Ladakh. Notably, in the case of other states/UTs, 10 to 40 per cent of the cost is borne by the respective state/UT.  

The development follows the proactive engagement of the LG, Saxena, with the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Patil, wherein key issues related to water security in Ladakh were deliberated upon. The Lieutenant Governor has consistently advocated for enhanced central assistance and interventions in development projects in Ladakh, tailored to its unique ecological and geographical context.

According to the MoU, a structured framework has been established to ensure the commissioning and handover of piped water supply systems to local institutions, such as Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees. The MoU was signed between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department of the UT Administration.

The initiative is expected to significantly benefit Ladakh by addressing its unique water challenges arising from difficult terrain, harsh climatic conditions, and limited freshwater resources. By strengthening infrastructure and promoting efficient water management practices, the MoU will play a pivotal role in ensuring year-round access to potable drinking water for rural households, reducing dependence on tanker-based supply and seasonal sources.

“This MoU marks a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving water security in Ladakh. Through strengthened collaboration under the Jal Jeevan Mission and initiatives like Project Him Sarovar, launched recently to harness snow and glacial melt, we are committed to ensuring that Ladakh becomes water self-sufficient. Given Ladakh’s unique challenges, this partnership will enable us to build sustainable, resilient and community-driven water infrastructure for the future,” said L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena.

The MoU also seeks to establish a water quality testing and surveillance system, with tagging of water samples collected for testing at household locations. This would enable effective monitoring of remedial actions and ensure long-term water sustainability.

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During his visit, the Minister paid homage to the sacred relics and offered prayers, highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of the exposition.

The exposition continues to serve as a profound spiritual occasion, promoting peace, harmony, and the teachings of the Buddha.

His Eminence the 9th Thiksey Rinpoche Visits Jivetsal, Pays Homage to Sacred Relics of Tathagata Buddha

His Eminence the 9th Thiksey Rinpoche, Ngawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin, accompanied by Kelkhang Rinpoche, visited Jivetsal today and paid homage to the sacred relics of the Tathagata Buddha. The visit was also attended by an official from the National Museum, who presented a memento to His Eminence on the occasion.

During the visit, His Eminence offered prayers and received blessings in a serene and spiritually charged atmosphere. Kelkhang Rinpoche also paid obeisance to the holy relics, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the ongoing exposition.

Devotees and officials present on the occasion witnessed the solemn visit, which further added to the sanctity of the sacred display.

The sacred relics will remain at Jivetsal until May 11, following which they will be taken to Zanskar as part of the continuing exposition.

Meanwhile, The public veneration of the sacred relics of Gautama Buddha entered its fourth day at Jivetsal today, witnessing a massive turnout of devotees from across the region.

According to the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing, approximately 15,000 people from areas ranging from Stakna to Likir visited Jivetsal to offer prayers and seek blessings. Devotees began arriving early in the morning, forming long queues that continued throughout the day, reflecting deep faith and devotion.

The prayer ceremony for the day was conducted by venerable monks from Shachukul Monastery, Changthang, Durbuk District, under the aegis of the Ladakh Gonpa Association. This marked the continuation of the 15-day veneration programme, during which monks from 16 major monasteries of Ladakh will offer prayers on a rotational basis each day.

Volunteers from the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing played a key role in managing the large gathering and provided assistance to elderly and physically challenged devotees.

The programme is being coordinated by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, which has issued a village-wise schedule to ensure participation from all parts of Leh district. Organisers have stated that all areas will be covered in a phased manner, ensuring equal opportunity for devotees to take part in the veneration.

As per the schedule, tomorrow’s visitation will include residents from Leh Phudo, Gangles to Skara, along with government employees, personnel from the Army and paramilitary forces, and the Ladakh Police.

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During the meeting, CEC Dr. Akhoon strongly emphasised the importance of ensuring that the benefits of all Central Government schemes pertaining to minority welfare reach the people of Kargil in full measure. He urged the Minister to take special interest in expediting the sanctioning of Minority Hostels in Kargil, stressing that such infrastructure would provide crucial support to students from minority communities pursuing education and would serve as a significant step toward their overall development and empowerment.

CEC Dr. Akhoon also expressed sincere gratitude to the Union Minister for the smooth and seamless facilitation of Haj arrangements for the pilgrims from Ladakh, acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry in ensuring a comfortable and organised Haj journey. He further highlighted the need to make Haj facilities more accessible to the people of the region and called for continued support in this regard.

The discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with both sides expressing mutual interest in furthering the welfare of the people of Kargil. The meeting was considered fruitful, and it is hoped that the issues raised by CEC Dr. Akhoon will receive early and favourable consideration from the Union Ministry.

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As part of the ongoing observance, monks from 16 major monasteries of Ladakh will continue to offer prayers on a rotational basis each day. Devotees from Nubra and Durbuk blocks attended the first day in significant numbers. Long queues were seen throughout the day as people waited for their turn to pay respects. Volunteers of the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing assisted in crowd management and extended support to elderly and physically challenged devotees. 

 The programme is being coordinated by Ladakh Buddhist Association, which has issued a village-wise schedule to ensure participation from all parts of Leh district. According to the organisers, all areas will be covered in a phased manner in the coming days, allowing equal opportunity for devotees to take part in the veneration.

 The sacred relics will remain at Jivetsal for public veneration till May 10, after which they are scheduled to be taken to Zanskar on May 11 for the next phase of the programme.

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Addressing the gathering, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that under the cooperative model envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, multiple programmes are being implemented simultaneously in Ladakh. He said that today, in a high-altitude region like Kargil, the foundation stone has been laid for a dairy plant with a capacity of 10 TLPD (10,000 litres per day). Women of Kargil can bring prosperity into their lives through this dairy plant, support their families, and become self-reliant. Shah said that he comes from a region where women, through similar small dairy initiatives, have achieved a turnover of ₹1,25,000 crore. He expressed confidence that women here too have the potential to contribute to their families and children’s education. He said that the new ₹25 crore project will prove to be a blessing for the mothers and sisters of Kargil. The Cooperation Minister also said that daily production has begun at the milk plant already operating in Leh.

Shah said that ITBP and the Army are major buyers in Ladakh, with around 18,000 soldiers stationed at the borders. He expressed confidence that their requirements of milk, curd, and paneer will be met by this plant. He further stated that a mobile laboratory costing ₹45 lakh has also been launched, which will greatly help in maintaining milk quality. He said that the Android-based AMCS app has also been launched, enabling dairy farmers to transparently monitor their milk accounts on a single platform. This will also boost their confidence. He added that the five livestock farmers who were honoured today are an inspiration for all livestock farmers of Kargil and Leh.

Shah said that Ladakh Milk Federation and Mother Dairy have signed an agreement, which will connect Ladakh to national markets. He said that Ladakh’s organic products should get access to the large market of Delhi. He urged the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to facilitate a tripartite MoU with the National Cooperative Organic Limited. He added that while Mother Dairy products should be sold here, arrangements should also be made for marketing Ladakh’s products across the country through Mother Dairy and other cooperatives.

The Union Cooperation Minister said that dairy infrastructure in Ladakh will be expanded further. A new plant with a capacity of 50,000 litres per day will be established in Leh at a cost of ₹70 crore. This will tap the growing potential in Leh and will also complement the Kargil plant as milk production increases. Efforts will be made to provide high-yield breeds of cows and buffaloes suited to the region’s climate. Approximately 500 such animals will be provided annually to boost milk production. He noted that Ladakh has extreme cold conditions and low oxygen levels, so research-based animal breeds suited to these conditions will be introduced. He said there is a plan to nearly triple the livestock population over the next 10 years and expressed confidence that people will respond positively. He added that after the agreement between Ladakh Milk Federation and NDDB, the network has reached 28 villages with about 1700 milk producers connected. He urged NDDB to expand its reach to as many villages as possible where animal husbandry is feasible and improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

Shah said that daily milk procurement has reached around 7000 kilolitres and should be increased to 21,000 kilolitres in the next four years to enhance farmers’ prosperity. He also mentioned that an existing dairy plant has been upgraded and its capacity doubled from 5 TLPD to 10 TLPD. The MoU with the Army will further benefit it.

He said that since 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, there has been a major transformation in India’s livestock and dairy sector, with several revolutionary reforms in the animal husbandry sector.

He stated that India’s milk production was 146 million tonnes in 2014–15. From independence till 2014–15, it reached 146 million tonnes in 70 years, but from 2014–15 to 2024–25, it increased to 248 million tonnes. This means a 70% increase in just 10 years, with 50% of that growth in the last 5 years. He added that per capita milk availability has increased from 307 grams in 2013–14 to 485 grams now.

He said that India has achieved this through 2,36,000 cooperative societies and nearly 2 crore milk producers. A target has been set to establish 75,000 new milk societies in five years, and efforts are being made to modernize 46,000 existing ones. Out of the 75,000, 21,000 new societies have already been formed.

The Union Cooperation Minister urged the Ladakh administration to tap the potential of every village where dairy and animal husbandry are feasible. He added that cooperative societies related to pashmina, organic products, and honey will also be established in the coming days.

Shah said that making Ladakh a Union Territory was a long-standing demand of the people of Leh-Ladakh and Kargil, primarily due to lack of development earlier. He said that after becoming a UT in 2019, Ladakh now has seven districts and 193 panchayats. Five new districts—Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass—have recently been notified. Local languages have also been given administrative importance, including Bhoti, Purgi, Urdu, Hindi, and English. He added that road length has increased from 1,800 km to 4,040 km, bridges from 19 to 72, mobile towers from 344 to 653, helipads from 7 to 41, snow removal machines from 7 to 215, electrified villages from 145 to 184, and distribution transformers from 1,182 to 3,153.

He said that since becoming a Union Territory, Ladakh has been a focus area for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resulting in extensive development. Zoji La pass, which used to remain closed for 127 days, was closed for only 19 days this year. The Kargil-Zanskar road, earlier closed for 154 days, remained closed for just 11 days. Significant improvements have been made due to snow clearance machinery and infrastructure. Work on Zoji La tunnel is in progress, and Shinkula tunnel work has begun. A new civilian airport is under construction. VSAT connectivity has been provided to all panchayats, and major work has been done to upgrade to 4G towers. Sindhu Central University has been established. 174 ICT labs, 230 smart classrooms, 40 astronomy labs, and 24 Atal Tinkering Labs have been set up. Ladakh is set to become a fully literate administrative unit by 2024. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, about 98% households have been connected with water supply. Significant work has also been done in agriculture and horticulture.

The Union Home Minister said that along with development, people must also embrace cooperatives and new opportunities. He said Ladakh’s budget has reached ₹6,000 crore, compared to ₹1,000 crore when it was part of Jammu & Kashmir.

He added that the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation has been established to boost industrial development. He said the goal is to make this border region self-reliant. He expressed gratitude to the people of Ladakh and Kargil, stating that whenever India faced threats at the border, they bravely defended the nation. He said the entire country recognizes Ladakh’s patriotism and sacrifices and remains deeply grateful.

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Speaking at the inauguration of the sacred relics exposition at Jivetsal, Shah said the region has long served as a custodian of spiritual knowledge, nurturing and protecting the teachings of the Buddha through times of both crisis and peace.

Shah said that Ladakh has remained a “living land of dharma”, preserving and nurturing Buddhist knowledge for centuries.

“Ladakh has been a living land of dharma for centuries. When the Dalai Lama comes here, he says this land is not merely a geographical land but a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion,” Shah said.

“India always showed the world path to peace and enlightenment. Modi ji revived this role for the betterment of humankind”, he said.  

Calling Ladakh a land of compassion, he said this land has preserved and nurtured knowledge. “Whenever Buddhism faced crises, this land worked to protect the teachings of Buddha. And when peace returned, it helped to expand and carry forward that preserved wisdom,” he added.

“The message that emerged from the land of Ladakh has become a guiding force for many people around the world to take their lives forward. The presence of these sacred relics in Ladakh reminds us that India’s civilisation has, for thousands of years, given the message of peace and coexistence,” he said.

He said that in a diverse region like Ladakh and Kargil, this message becomes even more relevant. “This heritage still tells us today that amidst conflict and unrest, only the path of peace and compassion can provide solutions.” He said the return of the relics on Buddha Purnima had enhanced the significance of the festival for the people of Ladakh.

He said Emperor Ashoka’s envoys laid the foundation of Buddhist influence in Ladakh through Kashmir and Gandhara, while Mahayana Buddhism expanded in the region during the Kushan period between the first and third centuries CE.

The Silk Route linking Kashmir, Leh, Yarkand, Khotan and Tibet became a channel not only for trade but also for ideas, monks, manuscripts and artistic traditions, Shah said.

“Amid conflict and unrest, only the path of peace and compassion can provide solutions,” he said.

The region has remained at the centre of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s development agenda, he said.

Shah said Ladakh had long demanded Union territory status due to lack of development and asserted that the decision had brought visible change across sectors.

His remarks came amid renewed calls by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for resumption of talks with the Centre on statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.

“Ladakh had an old demand to be made a Union territory. The basic reason for this demand was that development was not taking place here. Now I want to tell you what has been done after it was made a Union Territory in 2019,” Shah said.

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People from all walks of life gathered outside the airport in large numbers, reflecting the region’s deep enthusiasm.

During his visit, Shah is scheduled to pay obeisance to the holy relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of the 2569th Buddha Purnima on Friday, adding a spiritual dimension to his tour.

Before leaving for Ladakh, Shah wrote on X yesterday “Tomorrow, will be leaving for Ladakh for a two-day visit. It is a moment of profound good fortune for me to be attending on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the first ever international exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha, commencing on the 1st of May. In this exposition devotees from different parts of the world will offer veneration to the relics of Lord Buddha”.

The Home Minister will also inaugurate a series of key initiatives at a programme to be held at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh on May 1, 2026. Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena will also be present at the occasion.

The event will mark the inauguration and foundation-laying of multiple dairy infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing milk processing capacity, improving cold-chain systems, and expanding market linkages for local dairy farmers. The programme will also witness the launch of digital and institutional initiatives designed to modernise cooperative dairy operations in the region.

During the programme, the Home Minister will lay the foundation stone of a 10 TLPD dairy plant at Kargil and inaugurate new dairy processing units in Leh, including facilities for curd and paneer production. Additionally, a Bulk Milk Cooler system will be launched to strengthen milk storage and transportation infrastructure.

Further reinforcing the vision of digital empowerment in the cooperative sector, an Android-based Automated Milk Collection System (AMCS) application will be launched to streamline procurement processes and ensure transparency in payments to farmers.

The programme will also feature the flagging off of a mobile milk testing laboratory, aimed at ensuring quality assurance and supporting dairy farmers at the grassroots level. A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between key stakeholders to enhance the marketing of dairy products under prominent brands, thereby improving market access and value realisation for local producers.

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Reacting to the creation of the new districts, Haneefa said “This marks a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and accelerating development in the region”.

However, the MP strongly reiterated in a post on X that “Sankoo–Suru and Shakar–Chiktan–Shargole constitute one of the most populated areas of Ladakh and have genuine demand for district status. Given the large population and vast, far-flung geography of these regions, the creation of a separate district is not only justified but urgently needed. I sincerely hope that this genuine demand will be fulfilled at the earliest”.

Welcoming creation of the new districts, Jaffer demanded immediate notification of district status for Sankoo and Shakar Chiktan Shargole.

In a statement, Jaffer expressed strong resentment and disappointment over the exclusion of Sankoo Sub-Division and Shakar Chiktan Shargole Sub-Division from the present notification.

He stated that this exclusion is deeply unfortunate and a matter that cannot be overlooked. Sankoo Sub-Division is one of the oldest, most densely populated and administratively significant sub-divisions of Kargil district, with a population size, geographic spread, and developmental needs that make it fully deserving of district status. Shakar Chiktan Shargole Sub-Division equally merits the same recognition. Their omission from the current notification is a matter of serious concern for LAHDC Kargil and the people of these regions.

He further stated that as per the notification, Kargil district, which is more populated, has 80 villages remaining, while the neighbouring Leh district has 40 villages remaining. This clearly reflects that Kargil district, given its population size and geographic expanse, genuinely deserves greater administrative attention and relief, and he urged the Government of India and the UT Administration to take note of this and address it with the same seriousness and foresight.

He also raised concern over the allocation of villages among the newly created districts, stating that the inclusion of certain villages in specific districts appears arbitrary and lacks transparent administrative justification, and urged that the allocation criteria be reviewed in a fair, impartial, and need-based manner.

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Traditional performances, ceremonial honours, and sacred rituals marked the reception ceremony. The relics, brought from Delhi by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and Khenpo Thinlas Chosal of Matho Monastery in a special Air Force aircraft, were received by the Lieutenant Governor in the presence of prominent religious and public figures, including Khamtak Rinpoche, Rigyal Rinpoche, President Ladakh Gonpa Association Ven. Dorje Stanzin, President Ladakh Buddhist Association Chering Dorjey Lakruk, former Members of Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, and representatives of various social, religious and political organisations.

The Ladakh Police accorded a ceremonial guard of honour, while monks performed special prayers. The Lieutenant Governor offered khataks and prayers on behalf of the people of Ladakh, invoking peace and well-being for all.

Following the ceremonial reception, the relics were taken in a grand procession to Jivetsal, the designated venue for public exposition, beginning May 1, which marks the 2569th Buddha Purnima. The event witnessed overwhelming community participation from across Ladakh, reflecting unity, faith, and collective reverence, as thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, lined the route up to Jivetsal to catch a glimpse of the sacred relics.

Describing the occasion as highly auspicious, Lieutenant Governor Saxena stated that the arrival of the holy relics has blessed the entire region. He noted that while the relics have been exhibited internationally in the past, this is the first time they have been brought out of their original place of preservation for exposition within India. Saxena expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing Ladakh for this sacred event and highlighted the region’s deep-rooted connection with Buddhism and spirituality. He also urged people to participate in large numbers to seek the blessings of Lord Buddha.

Over the years, the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha have been exhibited in several countries, including Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, drawing global attention and devotion. In Ladakh, the relics will be available for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10, followed by exposition in Zanskar on May 11 and 12, and thereafter at the Dharma Centre in Leh from May 13 to 14, before being flown back to Delhi on May 15.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, apart from union ministers, Ambassadors, Chief Ministers of Buddhist-majority states, and representatives of various Buddhist organisations, will be visiting Leh for the veneration.

The Piprahwa relics have gained renewed global significance in recent years. After 127 years in colonial possession, a significant collection of associated gems and offerings was repatriated to India in July 2025, from a British family and a private collection.

In anticipation of the influx of devotees and tourists, the Lieutenant Governor has been closely monitoring preparations and has directed extensive beautification and infrastructure measures across Leh. Plantation drives, placement of flower pots, and city-wide cleanliness initiatives have been undertaken in a mission mode to ensure a pleasant, aesthetic, and spiritually enriching experience for all visitors.

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With this prompt action, posts of DCs and SPs in all five new districts – Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass – have been filled.

This decisive move is aimed at ensuring immediate operationalisation of governance structures, strengthening law and order, and bringing administration closer to the people, particularly in remote and far-flung areas.

The Lieutenant Governor exhorted the newly appointed officials to take charge of their respective districts without any delay. He urged them to work with full vigour and dedication to fulfil the aspirations of the people and work towards the inclusive development of the districts.

Saxena said that the remaining posts of subordinate officials will also be filled on priority, apart from fulfilling the logistical requirements, to ensure their smooth and effective functioning. He added that a robust administrative framework is being put in place to support long-term governance and development goals to translate the vision of district creation into tangible benefits for the people. He emphasised that decentralised governance will significantly improve service delivery, enhance administrative efficiency, and strengthen law and order at the grassroots level.

With the Lieutenant Governor’s approval, the following officers have been assigned charge as Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in the newly created districts:

(Changthang) Nitish Rajoria, IAS, SP Abbas Jaffari, JKPS; (Nubra) Mukul Beniwal, IAS, SP Stanzin Losal, JKPS; (Zanskar) Omkar Rajendra Gundage, IAS, SP Rigzen Sandup, JKPS; (Sham) Kunzes Angmo, JKAS, SP Aijaz Malik, JKPS; (Drass) Imteeaz Kacho, JKAS, SP Ishtyaq Ahmad, JKPS

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The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, had approved the formation of five new districts in August 2024.

The decision of forming five new districts will significantly enhance administrative efficiency, improve service delivery, and fulfil the long-standing aspirations of the people, particularly those residing in remote and far-flung areas.

The move, the Lieutenant Governor said, was aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a developed and prosperous Ladakh, which was envisioned with inception of Ladakh as a Union Territory in 2019.

Three districts, namely, Nubra (Headquarter: Diskit), Sham (Headquarter: Khaltse), and Changthang (Headquarter: Nyoma) have been carved out from Leh district, while two districts – Zanskar (Headquarter: Padum) and Drass (Headquarter: Drass-Ranbirpura) have been carved out from Kargil district.

Consequent to the notification, the territorial limits of the seven districts too have been defined. Now, the Leh district will have 44 revenue villages, while Nubra will have 30 revenue villages and Changthang will have 24 revenue villages. Similarly, Kargil district will have 80 revenue villages, while Sham district will have 27 revenue villages, Zanskar, 26 revenue villages, and Drass will have 19 revenue villages.

Lieutenant Governor, Saxena, described the move as “historic”, saying this would usher in a new era of inclusive development in the Union Territory by ensuring an effective and efficient delivery of services at the doorsteps. “This transformative decision underscores the Government of India’s commitment to unlocking Ladakh’s immense potential and ensuring balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development across the Union Territory,” Saxena said.

Ladakh, one of India’s largest Union Territories in terms of geographical area, has long faced administrative challenges due to its difficult terrain, sparse population, and remote habitations. The creation of five additional districts will decentralise governance, reduce travel distances for citizens (often exceeding 300 km), and ensure faster and more effective delivery of public services.

Importantly, the creation of new districts is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities through the establishment of new administrative offices, supporting infrastructure, and allied services. This will further boost local employment, skill development, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.

Notably, the MHA in August 2024 had also directed the UT Administration of Ladakh to constitute a committee to examine various aspects related to the formation of new districts. The committee undertook extensive consultations with delegations from across the region and conducted field visits and prepared a final report.

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The plantation drive was conducted under the guidance of Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, and Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, with the objective of increasing green cover in the Union Territory.

The drive was led by Dr. Phuntsog Tundup, Head, KVK Nyoma, along with the KVK team. The initiative evolved into a strong example of community-led environmental stewardship in the fragile high-altitude ecosystem of Changthang.

The event witnessed active and enthusiastic participation from local communities of Nyoma, Mudh, and Nidder villages. More than 65 villagers joined hands with the KVK team, contributing significantly to the success of the plantation drive.

Community members played a vital role in all stages of the plantation process, including pit digging, sapling placement, spacing, and initial irrigation. Their indigenous knowledge of local terrain, climatic conditions, and soil characteristics proved instrumental in identifying suitable planting sites and ensuring higher survival rates of the saplings.

Despite logistical challenges posed by the remote and harsh climatic conditions of the region, the plantation of over 1,480 willow trees was successfully accomplished through collective efforts and strong community participation.

The initiative highlights a shift towards community-driven environmental conservation, demonstrating the impact of collaborative action between scientific institutions and local residents. It also reinforces the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the ecological balance of the unique Changthang region.

The plantation drive stands as a testament to the shared commitment of KVK Nyoma and local communities towards environmental conservation and strengthening the bond between people and nature.

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Announcing this on X, the LG wrote; “A historic day for Ladakh. I have approved the notification for creation of five new districts in Ladakh, fulfilling the aspirations and long pending demand of the people of Ladakh”.

“With creation of five new districts – Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass – Ladakh will now have seven districts, from existing two. The development is aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed & prosperous Ladakh”.

“This transformative decision, already approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2024, under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs, Shri @AmitShah ji, would strengthen grassroots governance, decentralise administration & ensures faster delivery of public services to the people of Ladakh, especially those in remote & far-flung areas”, the LG wrote.

“Creation of new districts, apart from bringing governance closer to citizens, will create new avenues for growth, employment & entrepreneurship”.

“I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that every citizen of Ladakh benefits from this historic decision, as we move together towards a brighter, stronger & more prosperous future”, the LG added.

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The Igoo-Phey Irrigation Canal, initiated in 1979 and completed in 2005, and spanning approximately 43 km with 30 distributaries, was designed to irrigate nearly 4,500 hectares of land on the left bank of the Indus River. Villages from Igoo to Phey, including Martselang, Changa, Thiksey, Shey, and Chuchot were benefiting from this canal. The canal played a crucial role in enhancing green cover and supporting agricultural livelihoods in the region. However, due to non-maintenance of the canal for many years, villagers are facing acute water shortage. 

During the visit, issues related to maintenance of the canal, including budgetary requirements for repair works, and renovation of the damaged wooden bridge at the headworks, were also reviewed and discussed with officials and villagers. 

The Lieutenant Governor was informed that out of 43 km stretch, only 25 km section from Martselang to Phey has been made operational and the remaining stretch of 18 km has been non-operational for several years. 

The Lieutenant Governor directed that the restoration work  be speed up on an 11 km stretch up to Igoo, where water-lift techniques should be adopted to ensure efficient water flow.

The Lieutenant Governor also directed the concerned departments to expedite the completion of the remaining works and ensure timely charging of the canal so that farmers can effectively utilise water for irrigation, thereby, enhancing agricultural productivity and greenery in the region.

In view of the ongoing implementation of Project Him Sarovar across Ladakh, he further directed that the work on digging of ponds be accelerated and completed by May 20, ensuring that the water is made available to villagers for agricultural use at the earliest

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