LG Ladakh orders strict austerity measures

The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has issued comprehensive directions to all Administrative Departments in Ladakh, to promote austerity, adopt sustainable practices and judicious use of natural resources, in order to implement Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s appeal for conservation of resources, sustainable development and efficient utilisation of public resources.

The directions broadly aim to promote austerity and sustainability by reducing the number of vehicles, cutting down on fuel expenses and carbon emissions, promoting reliance on renewable energy and use of sustainable products, promoting a healthy lifestyle, strengthening local livelihood and enhancing environmental sustainability. LG, Shri Saxena has also issued directions for promotion of domestic tourism, renewable energy, natural farming and efficient utilisation of resources, as advised by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Notably, immediately after the Prime Minister’s appeal, Shri Saxena had directed the reduction of the number of vehicles in his official carcade by 50 per cent.

Saxena has called for a coordinated and time-bound approach to translate the Prime Minister’s vision into actionable measures across sectors. All Administrative Secretaries have been directed to ensure implementation of these measures by respective departments, under their administrative control, and issue suitable instructions to subordinate offices and field formations.

“The Hon’ble Prime Minister has given a timely and visionary call for adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives, governance systems and developmental activities. Resource conservation, promotion of renewable energy, support to local products, healthy lifestyles and sustainable development are not merely policy objectives but collective responsibilities. Ladakh, with its unique ecology and immense potential, is well placed to lead by example in implementing these transformative measures for the larger benefit of the nation,” said L-G Saxena.

L-G Saxena has directed all departments to ensure the timely implementation of the identified action points and submit a consolidated Action Taken Report (ATR) on measures initiated by various departments to the Chief Secretary within 30 days. Departments have also been directed to launch public awareness campaigns on energy conservation, domestic tourism, local products, healthy lifestyles, natural farming and sustainable development.

The key directions issued to various departments include:

General Administration Department

• Promoting maximum use of video conferencing and digital platforms for meetings, training programmes and review meetings.
• Reducing avoidable official travel through digital communication mechanisms.
• Examining the feasibility of work-from-home, hybrid working arrangements and staggered office timings, wherever administratively appropriate.

Power, Transport and Urban Development Departments

• Promoting energy conservation measures in government offices and public establishments.
• Accelerating the installation of rooftop solar systems in government buildings and facilitating net-metering.
• Promoting renewable energy adoption and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Encouraging use of public transport, electric vehicles and sustainable mobility initiatives.

Public Works Department

• Encouraging the use of environmentally sustainable and innovative construction materials.
• Promoting the utilisation of plastic waste in road construction, wherever technically feasible.
• Exploring the adoption of bio-bitumen and other green technologies in infrastructure development.

Industries & Commerce, Handicrafts & Handloom and Rural Development Departments

• Strengthening promotion of locally manufactured and locally produced goods, under the Vocal for Local and One District One Product initiatives.
• Promoting local products through exhibitions, fairs, retail outlets and digital commerce platforms.
• Encourage procurement from MSMEs, artisans, self-help groups, cooperatives and producer groups.
• Supporting local enterprises and strengthening local value chains through import substitution initiatives.

Tourism Department

• Intensifying campaigns promoting Ladakh as a preferred domestic tourism destination.
• Promoting adventure, eco, spiritual, cultural, heritage and rural tourism.
• Engage tourism stakeholders, travel operators and tourism associations to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

Agriculture & Horticulture Departments

• Promote natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Organise demonstrations, awareness programmes and capacity-building activities for farmers.
• Strengthen value addition and market linkages for agricultural and horticultural produce.

Health Department

• Undertake awareness campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and balanced dietary practices.
• Promote reduction in excessive edible oil consumption and encourage healthier cooking habits.