Hon’ble Lt Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) chairs meeting for approval of new works plans under SDP Capital 2023-24.

Leh, July 24 2023: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) chaired a meeting for ‘approval of new works plans under Special Development Package (SDP) (Capital) 2023-24 with concerned officials at Raj Niwas.
The Advisor to HLG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, informed that Rs 2289.98 crores have been approved under SDP Capex for the Financial Year 2023-24, out of which Rs 1978.57 crores has been approved for the ongoing works under different schemes for FY 2023-24. He further informed that Rs 311 crores is available under SDP 4575 Capital out of which Rs 113.79 crores has been proposed for the new works/schemes.
Dr Kotwal informed about the proposed new works, which were vetted by both LAHDCs) in all the five object heads, i.e. machinery and equipment, building and structure, infrastructure assets, furniture and fixture and other fixed assets. He also informed that a balance of Rs 150.35 crores will be available after the allocation of funds proposed for new schemes. He further apprised HLG of the department-wise details of schemes/works with DPR prepared/ready and DPR under process/yet to be formulated along with department-wise allocation proposed for new works under SDP Capital (2023-24) for DPR prepared work/DPR yet to be formulated.
Dr Kotwal stated that keeping in view the short working season and just over two months left for the working season to get over, the Finance Department has allocated funds that could be realistically utilised in this working season only.
Stating that the officials should focus on zero-surrender of funds sanctioned by the Centre and the utilisation of funds for the welfare of the citizens of Ladakh in a time-bound manner, the HLG emphasised the need to finalise the exercise of approval for new works plans under SDP Capital in the month of April itself so that there is enough time to carry out these works on the ground. He instructed the concerned officials to clear the pending payments of works carried out during G20/ Y20 event in Leh and also to pay pending salaries to the outsourced/contractual staff.
The HLG highlighted the need to focus on the involvement of communities and volunteers for the plantation drives in Ladakh.
Stating that all the project works must be completed in a maximum period of three years, the HLG directed the concerned departments to complete all languishing projects before 30th September 2023.
During the discussion on the recent flash flood in Ladakh, the HLG instructed the concerned officers that the UTDRF team should reach the place of incident on time with the help of proper communication equipment and lights, lead rescue operations and ensure that none of the affected people goes to bed empty stomach. He instructed that DC and SSP should reach the place of the incident on time. He also inquired about steps being taken to clear the blockage from water channels/nullahs.
Stating that the economy of Ladakh is dependent on tourism and it is the responsibility of the Administration and the people of Ladakh to present a clean Ladakh to the tourists, the HLG discussed the issue of waste disposal/littering on trekking routes and highlighted the need to involve the local Councillor and Sarpanch to take the lead in addressing the issue.
There were discussions on keeping the funds untied for its usage in case of emergency such as natural calamities and also for paying the contractors for organising impromptu events; the Deposit Return System being worked on by LAHDC Leh in collaboration with a team from Norway; the extension of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to mountain states of India such as Ladakh; banning plastic bottles below 500ml; register distributors of companies such as PepsiCo and make them accountable for disposal of all plastic bottles waste generated in Ladakh; giving power to Tourist Development Authority and Panchayat to take action against defaulters in villages; readjustment in the allocation of funds of on-going projects; the purchase of fire extinguishing vehicle for the Sankoo sub-division, hiring of a helicopter for its usage for various purposes, including lifting of patients from remote areas, etc.
Chairman, LAHDC Kargil, Shri Feroz Ahmad Khan; Chairman, LAHDC, Leh, Shri Tashi Gyalson; Advisor to HLG, Dr Pawan Kotwal IAS; ADGP, Ladakh, SD Jamwal, IPS and all Departmental Secretaries/ HODs were present in the meeting.