LG Kavinder Launches HRDP Nubra & FRDP Khaltsi Projects under HDFC Parivarthan.

LG Kavinder launches HRDP Nubra & FRDP Khaltsi projects under HDFC’s Parivarthan Reaffirms UT Admin’s commitment to enhance living standards, preserve cultural heritage.
Leh, December 18: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today launched the Holistic Rural Development Project (HRDP) for Nubra and Focus Rural Development Project (FRDP) for Khaltsi under HDFC Bank Parivartan in association with Partnering Hope Into Action (PHIA) Foundation.
The FRDP-Khaltsi focuses on strengthening community institutions through stone carving centers, artisan toolkits, and heritage documentation, preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage while reviving livelihoods and promoting climate-resilient opportunities across Khaltsi and Saspol blocks. The HRDP-Nubra aims to improve quality of life in Nubra villages through passive solar greenhouses, agriculture tool banks, and related initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kavinder Gupta expressed happiness at launching this important project in Khaltsi and Nubra. He stated that the initiative represents both an opportunity to preserve cultural heritage and a major step towards ensuring sustainable and empowered livelihoods for artisans, farmers, and local communities.
The Lt Governor emphasised Ladakh’s responsibility to safeguard its world-renowned unique cultural heritage and traditions for future generations. He noted that the project would preserve traditional arts and handicrafts while strengthening their commercial development and local livelihoods.
Shri Kavinder reaffirmed the UT Administration’s priority to enhance living standards and preserve cultural heritage through transparent, effective, and sustainable policies, adding that government commitment, local participation, and partnerships can empower every region of Ladakh.
The Lt Governor appealed to all citizens to contribute to cultural preservation, youth guidance, environmental protection, and community development, stressing that public participation is essential for holistic development and building a self-reliant, inclusive Ladakh. He urged local communities and artisans to actively participate for the project’s success.
Chief Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal, highlighted the crucial role of NGOs in Viksit Bharat and the support from banks like HDFC through CSR initiatives to boost local livelihoods. He noted that youth from Khaltsi engaged in stone carving would greatly benefit from modern toolkits provided under the project.
Johnson Tonpo, Executive Director of PHIA Foundation, welcomed the guests and informed about various projects initiated by the foundation in Ladakh. Tundup Wangail, Project Lead (Leh), delivered the vote of thanks.
Among those present were Administrative Secretaries PT Rudra Goud, Bhanu Prabha, and Moses Kunzang, along with officials from HDFC Bank and PHIA Foundation, beneficiaries, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Khaltsi, Nubra, Saspol, and Gya-Meru.