Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra Visits Kargil Airport and Darchik Village.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra Visits Kargil Airport and Darchik Village.
Kargil, January 14, 2026: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra visited the Kargil Airport today, where he inspected the existing airport infrastructure.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer briefed the Chief Secretary on various operational and infrastructural aspects of the airport. The Chief Secretary directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to submit a detailed report along with a map highlighting the current status of the airport and the scope for possible boundary expansion.
Later, the Chief Secretary visited Darchik Cultural Centre in Darchiks village, where he interacted with local stakeholders, villagers, and various delegations. He patiently listened to the concerns and grievances raised by the people and assured them that all genuine issues would be examined and appropriate support would be provided.
A vibrant programme commenced at Darchiks with the National Anthem, followed by a warm traditional welcome extended to the Chief Secretary by the villagers, Lambardar, and Councillor through the presentation of traditional khataks.
The local representatives briefed him about the village’s rich cultural heritage, history, unique identity, community life, and traditional food practices. Villagers also presented colourful cultural folk songs and traditional dances showcasing the vibrant Dard Aryan culture.
Nominated Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Gurmit Rigzen, in his address, welcomed the Worthy Chief Secretary, along with accompanying Administrative Secretaries and officers. He highlighted several key issues and submitted a memorandum, including the demand for the unification of the Aryan Valley areas located in Kargil and Leh districts under a single district. He also requested the establishment of a Buddhist Sarai at Kargil headquarters for people from the Aryan Valley, and the construction of a Tribal Model Hostel in the Aryan Valley to promote education.
Other demands raised by the villagers included the construction of the Darchik irrigation canal for Sanache hamlet to support agricultural activities, establishment of an Aryan Cultural Centre in Leh, creation of a separate Panchayat Halqa for Darchik, construction of link roads, and upgradation of Middle School Darchik to High School.
While addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra expressed happiness and pride in witnessing the rich diversity of culture and language in the region. He appreciated the local community for preserving their unique cultural heritage and traditions. He assured the gathering that all demands and issues submitted across various sectors would be carefully examined and that necessary action would be taken accordingly.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Administrative Secretary, PHE, Rahul Sharma; Administrative Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Moses Kunzang; Managing Director, NHM, Tushar Anand; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho; Chief Engineer, PWD; Chief Engineer, PDD; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and other district officers and officials during the tour.