Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal Reviews Development and Addresses Public Concerns During Nyoma Subdivision Tour

Nyoma, Ladakh, May 5, 2025 Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, concluded a two-day official tour to the Nyoma subdivision, encompassing visits to Nyoma, Hanley, and Demchok. The Chief Secretary conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing developmental activities and engaged with local communities to address their concerns In Nyoma, Dr. Kotwal held a detailed review meeting with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) assessing the progress of various departments. He inspected the functioning and infrastructure of the Pashmina Goat Farm and reviewed the revenue and forest infrastructure, stressing the importance of effective land management and ecological conservation. The Chief Secretary also inspected the Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) at Nyoma and Mudh
During his visit Nambardar Hanley Khaldo, raised several critical issues. These included restrictions imposed by the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary that hinder homestay registrations, impacting local tourism and livelihoods, and challenges related to land registration. A request was also made to upgrade the existing Medical Aid Centre (MAC) to a Primary Health Centre (PHC) and to increase the budget allocation for constructing a temporary ice hockey ring
The Nambardars of Buk and Shado villages in Hanley submitted key requisitions focusing on the proper functioning of underperforming solar electricity facilities, the construction of a new community hall, and the protection of pasture land through the installation of chain-link fencing. The Tibetan Nomadic Settlement in Hanley requested the construction of a black-topped link road to Tenkhar Gonpa and a guest room for social, cultural, and public meetings.
Dr. Kotwal also visited the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) on May 3, 2025, where he interacted with local villagers. He distributed 1560 lamp shades and 508 black-out curtains to the villagers and instructed the PWD 124 Division to depute an electrician for their installation He also met with the young Astro Ambassadors praising their enthusiasm and efforts in promoting astro-tourism
On the final day of his tour. Dr. Kotwal conducted a public outreach program at the Demchok Community Hall, listening to the concerns and grievances of local residents. The Nambardar of Demchok presented key demands, including granting permission for tourists to visit and stay overnight at the Dernchok hot spring to boost the local economy, installing an Airtel mobile tower to improve telecommunication connectivity, and deploying a full-time MBBS doctor at the local health center. Additional demands included compensation for the loss of yaks during the harsh winter, and the installation of a borewell for water supply due to the drying up of the village’s nallah.
Dr Kotwal assured the residents that their concerns would be taken up with relevant authorities and that necessary steps would be initiated to resolve the issues. In a significant directive, he instructed the SDM of Nyoma to prepare a proposal for developing Demchok as a Model Vibrant Village
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Sh. Sajjad Hussain Mufti Chief Wildlife Warden, Ladakh, Sh. Tushar Anand, Sub Divisional Magistrate Nyoma, SHO Nyoma and officers and officials from various departments under the Nyoma Subdivision.