Secretary Mehboob Ali Khan takes stock of pace of progress on on-going tourism infrastructure development works in Shakar Chiktan area Flags off voluntary group of local youths on 4 day trekking to Nindum

KARGIL, SEPTEMBER 05, 2021: Secretary Tourism, Culture, Labour and Employment Ladakh Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan took stock of the status of various on-going developmental works under Tourism Sector at Shakar-Chiktan Sub-Division here on Saturday.
Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Shakar Chiktan Muhammad Sharif Kakpori, Assistant Director Tourism Aga Syed Toha, Executive Engineer Kargil Development Authority (KDA) Sajjad Hussain Wazir, BDC Chairperson Chiktan Syeda Banoo besides other concerned officers accompanied the Secretary during the tour.
At Bodh Kharboo, the Secretary was apprised by the concerned officers about the ongoing construction work of cafeteria sanctioned at a cost of Rs 63 lakhs under State Plan where he was informed that 90% of the construction work has been completed while the remaining works like ground leveling, white washing, compound walling and other allied works will be completed soon.
The Secretary directed the concerned officers to complete the remaining work within this working season.
Meanwhile, Secretary Mehboob Ali Khan flagged off a voluntary group of 13 local youths who will be trekking to Nindum for 4 days to explore various trekking routes in the area.
Secretary Mehboob Ali Khan also visited the construction site of 72 feet long Guru Statue at Bodh Kharboo. The representatives of the village apprised the Secretary that the construction work of the statue has been completed which was funded by the locals of the area. They urged the Secretary to provide basic facilities for tourists near the statue like separate wash rooms for ladies and gents, ground leveling, solar lighting and other necessary arrangements.
While highlighting the rich culture, traditions and heritage sites in Shakar Chiktan, the Secretary said the area has huge potential to attract tourists from all over the world. He said that the UT Administration is fully committed to bring this unexplored area on the tourism map, and in this regard efforts are going on in full swing, adding he said that training will be provided to the local youth in order to develop various necessary skills in hospitality and management.
Secretary Mehboob Ali Khan also said that subsidies will be given to the eligible persons for the construction of guest houses and home stays to generate employment for the local unemployed youth.
BDC Chairperson Syeda Banoo urged the Secretary Tourism to establish tourist related infrastructure in the area like eco parks, inclusion of unexplored trekking routes on tourist map, establishment of parking spaces, maintenance and preservations of khars, promotion of winter sports, development of Shashi Lake and allied needs.
The Secretary Tourism gave a patient hearing to all projected demands and directed AD Tourism Kargil and other concerned officers of KDA to hold a survey to notify new trekking routes. He also directed the SDM Shakar Chiktan to identify the suitable sites for establishment of eco parks and parking spaces in consultation with the local public representatives, adding he also urged the local representatives to identify the unexplored heritage sites so that steps can be taken for their restoration and preservation.
At Pargive village, the Secretary Tourism inspected the feasibility of land for the proposed construction of Tourist Dak Bungalow. He also inspected the ongoing construction works of Tourist Dak Bungalow at Mulbekh sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 80 lakhs under State Sector Plan.
AD Tourism Kargil informed the Secretary that the construction of the first floor is almost at the completion stage while the remaining work will be completed at the earliest possible.
Earlier, enroute Kargil the Secretary Tourism inspected the status of wayside amenities at Likir and Khaltse.