Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra holds meeting with District Officers in Zanskar.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra holds meeting with District Officers in Zanskar.
Review developmental works and local issues.
Zanskar, Oct 3, 2026: Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a meeting with district officers at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Padum, Zanskar, to review the progress of developmental works and address key issues concerning the region.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Zanskar, Omkar Rajendra Gundage; SP Zanskar, Rigzin Sangdup; SDM Zanskar, Jasif Amin; Block Development Officer; Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE and PMGSY/REW; Zonal Education Officer; Chief Inspector, FCS&CA; SDAO; and other officers and officials of the concerned departments.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed various ongoing and proposed developmental projects and discussed issues related to regularisation of Nautor land and land-use change notifications under the Revenue Department. Discussions were also held on promoting Pashmina production under the Sheep Husbandry Department, strengthening the cooperative sector through a modern cooperative model, promotion of horticulture and high-value crops, Himsarovar, irrigation channels and other developmental initiatives.
The Chief Secretary laid particular emphasis on employment generation and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local youth. He called for identifying educated and capable youth from every village under the Champions of Change initiative and stressed the need for ensuring tangible outcomes from developmental schemes and programmes.
He also took stock of the status of ICDS, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and various ongoing works under PWD. Issues concerning healthcare infrastructure and services were also discussed, with the BMO apprising the Chief Secretary of the requirements and challenges faced by the hospital.
The Chief Secretary laid special emphasis on hydroelectric projects being executed under KREDA and reviewed the status of grid connectivity under PDD. He directed the concerned departments to undertake regular monitoring and priority assessment of power and grid-related issues in the region.
Following the departmental review meeting, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra held a public interaction at TRC Padum with representatives of various villages and local organisations. The interaction was attended by Councillor and State General Secretary, BJP, Stanzin Lakpa, President of the Zanskar Buddhist Association, and representatives of adjoining villages and different community organisations.
A delegation from Karsha Monastery raised several issues, including sanction of funds for completion of ongoing works, construction of a Himsarovar water storage tank at Karsha Nalanda Photang, creation of a new revenue village at Stara, grant of separate revenue village status to Youlang, sanction of a road under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme at Pipcha, and administrative assistance for developmental works at Stakrimo Gonpa.
The Nambardar Association requested sanction of four Councillor seats for the Lungnak region under the newly announced LAHDC.
Other issues raised during the interaction included the transfer of Ladakh-origin employees presently serving at SKIMS Soura and SKIMS Medical College Bemina; infrastructure and establishment-related concerns of Zanskar tour operators and the Taxi Union; and establishment of an ARTO office in Zanskar.
Representatives of Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam raised the issue of creation of a separate delimitation constituency for Padum Town. A social worker from Zanskar also highlighted issues related to proper town planning, regulation of Nautor land and matters concerning new bar licences.
The Chief Secretary assured the delegations that the issues raised during the interaction would be examined by the concerned departments and addressed as per the applicable rules and procedures. He emphasised coordinated efforts by all departments to ensure effective implementation of developmental programmes and delivery of public services in Zanskar.
Thanks & Regards,
Department of Information & Public Relations,
UT Ladakh