The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today underscored that direct, face-to-face interaction with citizens is the cornerstone of effective governance, as it helps the administration understand people’s concerns, build trust, and ensure development that reaches every household.
Addressing a Public Darbar during his maiden visit to the Nyoma sub-division, the Lt Governor said that governance must be rooted in constant dialogue. “Direct engagement with people strengthens relationships, improves service delivery, and drives socio-economic growth,” he said.
The Lt Governor reiterated that the UT Administration is fully committed to equitable development, ensuring that the benefits of growth, welfare schemes, and infrastructure projects reach every section of society, particularly the rural and far-flung areas of Ladakh which often remain neglected due to geographical and climatic challenges. He stressed that no village, however remote or difficult to access, will be left behind in the journey of progress and that the Administration’s priority is to bridge the developmental gap between urban centres and distant hamlets of the Union Territory.”
Marking the visit, the Lt Governor inaugurated the new Tehsildar office and record room at Nyoma, built at a cost of ?2.95 crore, and laid the foundation stone for the construction of the SDM’s residential quarters worth ?1.08 crore. He recalled his recent visits to Kargil and Suru Valley soon after assuming office, stressing that such grassroots-level tours help identify and address region-specific issues. “Our priority is to resolve local concerns through direct communication and responsive action,” he asserted.
The Lt Governor outlined his vision for transforming Ladakh into a model of connectivity and tourism. Plans include expanding the road and telecom network across the Union Territory, developing tourist infrastructure in remote areas, and setting up cafeterias, washrooms, and souvenir shops every 30 km along major routes to provide comfort to travelers and bikers.
Highlighting the fast-rising popularity of Changthang among visitors, particularly for attractions like Umling La Pass and the Astronomical Observatory, Shri Kavinder Gupta announced that the benefits of the Ladakh Homestay Policy are being extended to locals to ensure community participation in the tourism economy.
Pointing to Changthang’s strategic location near the Indo-China border, the Lt Governor underlined India’s focus on strengthening defence infrastructure, such as the airstrip at Mudh, which also enhances civil connectivity. He assured that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Changthang will witness unprecedented growth in the coming years.
The Lt Governor also stressed the need to channelize youth energy through sports. With Changthang’s natural potential for ice hockey and winter sports, the administration is working to develop dedicated sports infrastructure and create opportunities for local talent to shine nationally and internationally.
At Hanley, the Lt Governor patiently heard public grievances concerning healthcare facilities, staff shortages, ambulance requirements, and power supply. He assured residents that all genuine demands will be addressed in a time-bound manner.
Earlier, Executive Councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Councillor Ishey Spalzang, and Nominated Councillor Ven Konchok Tsephel raised local issues such as winter water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission, prefabricated houses for nomads, and installation of 4G BSNL towers in left-out villages.
The Lt Governor also interacted with Astronomy Ambassadors trained in stargazing activities, who expressed gratitude to the UT Administration for providing them with livelihood opportunities.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Kavinder Gupta reiterated his mission to make Ladakh one of the most developed Union Territories in the country. “Every step we take—whether in infrastructure, tourism, or youth empowerment—is directed at securing a prosperous and self-reliant Ladakh,” he affirmed.