The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, emphasised the ambitious beautification plan for Kargil town, aimed at transforming key public spaces into vibrant recreational hubs to attract more tourists and extend their stay in the district.
Chairing a review meeting with the Kargil Development Authority on Tuesday, the Lt Governor laid stress upon identifying new sites across the district that could be developed into tourist-friendly spaces. He said Kargil’s tourism potential goes far beyond the existing attractions and there is a pressing need to explore and develop new locations—such as riverbanks, hill viewpoints, cultural landmarks, and heritage sites—so that visitors get a wider experience of the district.
The Lt Governor observed that creating multiple recreational and leisure zones across Kargil would not only disperse tourist footfall evenly but also generate new livelihood opportunities for the local population. He called upon the Authority to prepare a comprehensive roadmap that highlights unexplored natural spots and integrates them into the broader tourism circuit of Ladakh.
Shri Kavinder Gupta also called for expediting the beautification of Bul-Bul Bagh, Sher Bagh, and the Riverfront at the Tourist Facilitation Centre, which are to be upgraded with landscaped parks, pedestrian walkways, gardens, and seating areas designed to blend modern amenities with the natural charm of the region.
“Tourists come to Kargil for its history and breathtaking landscapes, but we also need to provide them spaces where they can relax, unwind, and engage with the local culture. The creation of such aesthetically appealing and functional spaces will not only enhance the beauty of the town but also encourage visitors to extend their stay,” he said.The Lt Governor further directed officials to ensure that the beautification projects reflect Kargil’s cultural ethos while meeting sustainability standards. He underlined that Ladakh’s tourism growth must be linked with environmental responsibility, creating a balance between development and preservation of its fragile ecosystem.
By focusing on urban aesthetics alongside adventure and heritage tourism, he hopes to position Kargil as a more vibrant and tourist-friendly destination in the coming years.
The officials, comprising Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; SSP Kargil, Shree Raam R, along with Engineering wing from KDA, discussed key projects in the town area of Kargil district for the promotion of tourism to ensure their maximum stay in Kargil. The officials also apprised the Lt Governor regarding the completion of the first phase of the River View Front at TFC, while the detailed project report for the second phase is ready.