Comm./Secy. Tourism and Culture Department Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan reviews ongoing projects of Culture Department.

Leh, August 4: The Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Ladakh Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan chaired a meeting to review the status of ongoing works and expenditure incurred so far under Culture Department on the projects/works under State Sector and Special Development Package (SDP).
The Commissioner/Secretary discussed the upgradation and extension project of the District Library, Leh, and directed the concerned agency to prepare the DPR for its upgradation/extension. Further, Kacho stressed on the need to keep the library updated with new publications and directed the Senior Librarian to expedite the process of procurement of books/journals/magazines etc. He stated that the library must have books/materials relevant for competitive examinations.
Further, the Commissioner/Secretary also took stock of the progress of ongoing works of museum at Hanle, Spituk and Bodhkharboo. Additionally, he spoke of the urgent need to finish listing the artefacts available in the monasteries at these places and others and expedite the construction of the museums so that preservation and display of valuable heritage artefacts are taken up on priority.
Discussions were also held regarding the transfer of archives and artifacts from Jammu & Kashmir UT and their proper registration, preservation, and display.
The Commissioner/Secretary highlighted the need to make it mandatory for all departments/agencies to identify and report heritage sites/petroglyphs, which are found at construction sites such as roads, buildings etc. The Registering Officer, Antiquities has been directed to follow-up with the advisory issued by the UT administration with all executing agencies.
The Commissioner/Secretary also reviewed the tendering status of the Culture Centre at Leh and directed the Engineers of CPWD to expedite the process and start work on this prestigious project at the earliest.
Deputy Secretary, Cultural Academy, Leh; Executive Engineer, CPWD, Leh; Executive Engineer, Leh Development Authority; Under Secretary/OSD to Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism and Culture department; Senior Librarian, District Library, Leh besides other concerned officials attended the meeting.