Ladakh Images Daily Newspaper

20/08/2025

Aviation Lifeline for Ladakh

Leh/New Delhi, Aug 20: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has raised critical concerns on aviation connectivity in Ladakh during his meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. His proposals reflect the pressing needs of the region, where geography, weather, and infrastructure limitations continue to affect the daily lives of residents.

Key Concerns Highlighted by the Lieutenant Governor

Geographic and Climatic Challenges

Ladakh’s mountainous terrain and snowbound winters cut off road access for months.

Thousands of residents are forced to depend on expensive, limited flights as the only viable option.

Presently, Indian Air Force sorties under Operation Sadbhavana provide temporary relief but are restricted in number and mainly reserved for patients, students, and emergencies.

Need for Wider Air Connectivity

Civilian operations from Kargil and Thoise (Nubra) must be started under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN).

Turboprop aircraft with up to 50 seats can act as a sustainable transport lifeline for remote populations, especially during winters.

This step would integrate currently isolated regions into India’s aviation map.

Feasibility Study for Kargil Airport

A table-top feasibility exercise is suggested to evaluate technical and safety requirements.

Involvement of MoCA, DGCA, AAI, and other stakeholders will ensure realistic planning.

Focus areas include runway compatibility, aircraft specifications, pilot requirements, and infrastructure upgrades.

Rising Airfare and Affordability Issues

Airfares on Leh routes surge drastically during tourist seasons.

Such hikes make flying unaffordable for locals, who are often dependent on these services for essential travel.

A fair regulatory mechanism is needed to keep fares stable, reasonable, and accessible to all.

Infrastructure Development at Leh Airport

Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is overstretched due to heavy tourist inflow and local demand.

The new terminal building must be completed swiftly to:

Ease congestion.

Improve passenger facilities.

Consolidate Leh’s role as Ladakh’s main aviation hub.

Government Response

Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu assured cooperation and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to Ladakh’s aviation development.

He emphasized the balance between regional requirements and safety norms while planning new services.

Broader Importance of Air Connectivity in Ladakh

Strategic Need: Ladakh’s sensitive border location demands stronger civilian and military aviation integration.

Tourism Boost: Reliable flights to Kargil and Nubra can unlock immense tourism potential.

Economic Growth: Better air links can promote trade, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Social Integration: Affordable flights will connect Ladakhis more closely with the rest of the country.

Essential Service: In a land cut off for months, aviation is not luxury—it is survival.

The Lieutenant Governor’s proposals highlight the urgency of aviation reforms in Ladakh. The Centre must go beyond assurances and act swiftly:

Operationalise flights under UDAN.

Regulate airfares.

Complete the Leh airport terminal.

Extend connectivity to Kargil and Nubra.

For Ladakh, stronger air connectivity is the key to survival, prosperity, and integration with the national mainstream.

17/08/2025

https://theprint.in/india/l-g-gupta-vows-to-regulate-airfare-accelerate-tourism-in-ladakh/2722474/

Leh, Aug 16 (PTI) Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday vowed to regulate airfare and accelerate tourism in the Union territory. “The administration will take concrete steps to regulate airfare so that airlines do not burden passengers with exorbitant charges, particularly during t...

08/08/2025

Chairman AAI Reviews Strategic Infrastructure Progress at Leh Airport
Leh, August 8:
In a significant move aimed at bolstering India's aviation infrastructure in high-altitude and strategic locations, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Shri Vipin Kumar, undertook a comprehensive inspection of Leh Airport today. Accompanied by Shri Anil Kumar Gupta, Member (Planning), the visit underscored the Government’s commitment to accelerating development in key aviation nodes.

Leh Airport, located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, is a vital hub in India’s northern aviation network, both from a civilian and strategic perspective. The inspection focused on reviewing the progress of the New Terminal Building and other critical infrastructure upgrades underway to meet the increasing passenger and operational demands.

During the site visit, the Chairman interacted with airport officials and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at the airport. Emphasizing efficiency, safety, and modernisation, he urged all stakeholders to expedite construction and development efforts. Shri Vipin Kumar directed that the New Terminal Building and associated infrastructure must be completed by October 2025, aligning with the Ministry of Civil Aviation's vision for enhanced regional connectivity and passenger experience.

“This project is a top priority for AAI, and we must ensure its timely ex*****on to support the broader goals of the Government of India’s civil aviation roadmap,” the Chairman stated during his briefing.

The Leh Airport upgrade is part of a larger nationwide push by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, under the leadership of Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, to improve aviation access and connectivity across India’s remote and strategic regions. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, has also reiterated the need to ensure quality and sustainability in all aviation infrastructure projects.

With increasing footfall from both domestic and international tourists, as well as the airport’s strategic importance near the country’s northern borders, the Leh Airport’s expansion is a critical initiative. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to significantly improve passenger handling capacity, operational efficiency, and safety standards.

The Airports Authority of India continues to play a central role in transforming India’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring that even the most remote regions are seamlessly connected to the rest of the country.

01/08/2025

https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!bharat/sunni-community-urges-inclusion-in-hill-council-representation-enn25080105018

10/07/2025

https://indusdispatch.in/ladakhs-new-districts-a-landmark-step-toward-inclusive-governance-and-development/

By Ajaz Ahmad Bardi | PGJMC, Chubi, Leh, Ladakh Contact: 9906996991 | Email: [email protected] The Union Territory of Ladakh is poised to witness a historic transformation in its administrative landscape as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) prepares to operationalize five new distri...

09/07/2025

Five New Districts in Ladakh to Make Functional by End of July are: Detailed Roadmap and Steps Ahead
The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to witness a major administrative transformation with the operationalization of five new districts—Sham, Nubra, and Changthang (in Leh), and Zanskar and Drass (in Kargil)—make functional by the end of July 2025 are . This move is aimed at improving governance, accelerating development, and ensuring better delivery of public services to some of the region’s most remote and strategically significant areas.
Currently, Ladakh has only two districts: Leh and Kargil. The addition of five new districts will bring the total number to seven, fulfilling a long-standing demand from local communities.

Key Steps Required to Make the New Districts Functional
1. Final Notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to issue the final notification to operationalize the new districts.
This will be done after reviewing the report submitted by the UT Administration’s administrative committee, which has already finalized recommendations on:

District boundaries

Location of district headquarters

Required posts and departmental structures

2. Appointment of Administrative Officers
Each district will require immediate appointment or deployment of senior officers, including:

Deputy Commissioner (DC)

Superintendent of Police (SP)

District-level officers from departments such as Revenue, Health, Education, Agriculture, and Rural Development

Officers may be drawn from the existing Ladakh cadre or deputed from central services until full recruitment is done.

3. Creation of Core Administrative Infrastructure
District headquarters need to be equipped with essential government buildings and facilities, including:

DC Office Complex

Police Headquarters

Health Department offices

Revenue and Public Works Department offices

In some locations, temporary buildings or rented spaces may be used initially, while permanent infrastructure is developed.

4. Financial Allocation and Budget Release
The UT Administration, with the support of the Central Government, will allocate initial funding for:

Administrative setup

Equipment and office supplies

Salaries and allowances

Funds under schemes like Vibrant Village Programme infrastructure and connectivity in these districts.

5. Staffing and Human Resources Deployment
Deployment of support staff, including clerical workers, IT personnel, data entry operators, peons, and drivers.

Each department will need to be staffed to a minimum operational level to start delivering services.

Additional recruitment drives may be conducted through Ladakh Public Service Commission (LPSC) or local selection committees.

6. Public Notification and Awareness Campaigns
Citizens will need to be informed about the new district jurisdictions, headquarters, and administrative contacts.

Awareness campaigns through radio, local newspapers, village heads, and digital platforms will help ensure a smooth transition.

New contact points for services like:

Domicile certificate issuance

Birth/death registrations

Public grievance redressal

Welfare scheme applications

7. Coordination with Hill Councils (LAHDC Leh & Kargil)
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) will play a vital role in transition planning, especially in district-specific development projects.

Coordination meetings will help align the administrative goals with local development priorities, such as:

Road connectivity

Tourism development

Education infrastructure

Healthcare expansion

8. Digital Infrastructure and e-Governance
Set up of internet connectivity, e-office systems, and online service portals for each district.

Training and capacity-building for district-level staff on using digital platforms.

This will support efficient governance and allow people in remote areas to access services without traveling long distances.

9. Security and Law Enforcement Setup
Deployment of adequate police personnel and establishment of law and order cells.

Especially crucial for border districts like Drass and Changthang, where security sensitivities are high.

Coordination with paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies for peace and stability.

10. Sector-Specific Focus Areas for Each New District
Zanskar (Kargil)
Improve connectivity through early clearance of Shinkula Pass.

Promote tourism and eco-development.

Provide winter disaster response mechanisms.

Drass (Kargil)
Strengthen healthcare and education.

Develop winter shelters and snow clearance capabilities.

Address post-snowfall rebuilding needs.

Changthang (Leh)
Implementation of the Vibrant Village Programme.

Wildlife rationalization and resolving conflicts between conservation and local livelihoods.

Address gaps in mobile and digital connectivity.

Nubra (Leh)
Streamline tourist registration and Protected Area Permit (PAP) issuance.

Improve cold desert agriculture and local crafts.

Promote border tourism under national programs.

Sham (Leh)
Focus on heritage tourism, river valley farming, and cottage industries.

Build administrative capacity in Alchi, Domkhar, and neighboring belts.

11. Simplification of Tourist Permit Systems
The delegation to Home Minister requested simplified procedures for Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP).

Proposed that permit verification powers be delegated to the District Magistrates, speeding up approvals and encouraging tourism.

12. Follow-Up and Monitoring
A dedicated monitoring cell may be set up within the UT Secretariat to oversee progress on the districts becoming operational.

Monthly reviews may be conducted with LAHDCs, district officers, and MHA representatives.

The operationalization of five new districts in Ladakh is more than a bureaucratic restructuring—it's a transformative move that aims to bring governance closer to people, improve regional equity, and strengthen India’s frontier administration. With the Union Government’s commitment and local leadership’s active engagement, is poised to mark a historic milestone in Ladakh’s administrative evolution.
Ajaz Ahmad Bardi
Chubi Leh
9906996991
[email protected]

25/06/2025

UT Ladakh: Leh Airport Likely Fully Functional by October 2025: Big Boost for Ladakh’s Connectivity, Tourism & Economy

Leh, Ladakh – In a major development that promises to transform connectivity in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is expected to be fully functional by October 2025. With the completion of the new terminal and essential infrastructure, the airport is set to witness a significant expansion in operations—including increased flight frequency and extended operating hours, offering a strong push to tourism, trade, and regional development.

One of the most critical step to do is the proposed extension of flight operations up to 10:30 PM, a much-needed upgrade made possible due to the 24×7 availability of Army Oil Service at the airport. This move would align Leh with other regional airports like Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu, both of which already operate night flights. For this to materialize fully, it is crucial that night landing facilities such as advanced lighting systems, Instrument Landing System (ILS), and Air Traffic Control with more funds for upgrades be installed at Leh Airport without much delay.

Currently, Leh Airport sees about 20-25 flights daily during the summer and only around 5-10 during winter. In comparison, Srinagar Airport handles over 50 flights daily, and Jammu Airport manages around 30 daily Given Ladakh’s growing strategic and tourism importance, the daily flight capacity at Leh Airport must be increased from the current levels to at least 40- 50 flights per day from Delhi, Jawar Noida, Jammu, Srinagar,Navi Mumbai, throughout the year. This enhancement is vital to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and to reduce the dependence on limited seasonal road connectivity.

Moreover, there is an urgent need to initiate direct daily flights between Leh, Srinagar, and Jammu daily. These direct connections will not only ensure better movement for locals and tourists but also strengthen inter-regional cooperation and economic integration across the three strategic regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The expanded airport will also benefit the defence sector, allowing faster deployment and improved logistics in high-altitude zones. The operational readiness of Leh Airport for both civilian and strategic needs reinforces its importance not just for Ladakh, but for national preparedness and border management.

This landmark project is being implemented under the supervision of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Ministry of Defence, Indian Army Northern Command, and the Ladakh UT Administration. Their coordinated efforts have ensured that work continues at a steady pace despite challenging conditions.

With the projected full functionality by October 2025, Leh Airport is poised to become a modern aviation hub in the Himalayas—offering improved access, enhanced safety, increased economic opportunity, and greater national connectivity.
Check out Flightradar24, the app that turns your phone into an air traffic radar. https://fr24.com/apps

01/06/2025

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinai_Kumar_Saxena

Vinai Kumar Saxena (born 23 March 1958) is an Indian business executive who is currently serving as the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Delhi since 2022.[3] He previously served as chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission from 2015 to 2022.[4]

21/05/2025

Five New Districts in Ladakh to Make Functional by End of July are: Detailed Roadmap and Steps Ahead
The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to witness a major administrative transformation with the operationalization of five new districts—Sham, Nubra, and Changthang (in Leh), and Zanskar and Drass (in Kargil)—make functional by the end of July 2025 are . This move is aimed at improving governance, accelerating development, and ensuring better delivery of public services to some of the region’s most remote and strategically significant areas.
Currently, Ladakh has only two districts: Leh and Kargil. The addition of five new districts will bring the total number to seven, fulfilling a long-standing demand from local communities.
Key Steps Required to Make the New Districts Functional
1. Final Notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to issue the final notification to operationalize the new districts.
This will be done after reviewing the report submitted by the UT Administration’s administrative committee, which has already finalized recommendations on:
District boundaries
Location of district headquarters
Required posts and departmental structures
2. Appointment of Administrative Officers
Each district will require immediate appointment or deployment of senior officers, including:
Deputy Commissioner (DC)
Superintendent of Police (SP)
District-level officers from departments such as Revenue, Health, Education, Agriculture, and Rural Development
Officers may be drawn from the existing Ladakh cadre or deputed from central services until full recruitment is done.
3. Creation of Core Administrative Infrastructure
District headquarters need to be equipped with essential government buildings and facilities, including:
DC Office Complex
Police Headquarters
Health Department offices
Revenue and Public Works Department offices
In some locations, temporary buildings or rented spaces may be used initially, while permanent infrastructure is developed.
4. Financial Allocation and Budget Release
The UT Administration, with the support of the Central Government, will allocate initial funding for:
Administrative setup
Equipment and office supplies
Salaries and allowances
Funds under schemes like Vibrant Village Programme infrastructure and connectivity in these districts.
5. Staffing and Human Resources Deployment
Deployment of support staff, including clerical workers, IT personnel, data entry operators, peons, and drivers.
Each department will need to be staffed to a minimum operational level to start delivering services.
Additional recruitment drives may be conducted through Ladakh Public Service Commission (LPSC) or local selection committees.
6. Public Notification and Awareness Campaigns
Citizens will need to be informed about the new district jurisdictions, headquarters, and administrative contacts.
Awareness campaigns through radio, local newspapers, village heads, and digital platforms will help ensure a smooth transition.
New contact points for services like:
Domicile certificate issuance
Birth/death registrations
Public grievance redressal
Welfare scheme applications
7. Coordination with Hill Councils (LAHDC Leh & Kargil)
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) will play a vital role in transition planning, especially in district-specific development projects.
Coordination meetings will help align the administrative goals with local development priorities, such as:
Road connectivity
Tourism development
Education infrastructure
Healthcare expansion
8. Digital Infrastructure and e-Governance
Set up of internet connectivity, e-office systems, and online service portals for each district.
Training and capacity-building for district-level staff on using digital platforms.
This will support efficient governance and allow people in remote areas to access services without traveling long distances.
9. Security and Law Enforcement Setup
Deployment of adequate police personnel and establishment of law and order cells.
Especially crucial for border districts like Drass and Changthang, where security sensitivities are high.
Coordination with paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies for peace and stability.
10. Sector-Specific Focus Areas for Each New District
Zanskar (Kargil)
Improve connectivity through early clearance of Shinkula Pass.
Promote tourism and eco-development.
Provide winter disaster response mechanisms.
Drass (Kargil)
Strengthen healthcare and education.
Develop winter shelters and snow clearance capabilities.
Address post-snowfall rebuilding needs.
Changthang (Leh)
Implementation of the Vibrant Village Programme.
Wildlife rationalization and resolving conflicts between conservation and local livelihoods.
Address gaps in mobile and digital connectivity.
Nubra (Leh)
Streamline tourist registration and Protected Area Permit (PAP) issuance.
Improve cold desert agriculture and local crafts.
Promote border tourism under national programs.
Sham (Leh)
Focus on heritage tourism, river valley farming, and cottage industries.
Build administrative capacity in Alchi, Domkhar, and neighboring belts.
11. Simplification of Tourist Permit Systems
The delegation to Home Minister requested simplified procedures for Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP).
Proposed that permit verification powers be delegated to the District Magistrates, speeding up approvals and encouraging tourism.
12. Follow-Up and Monitoring
A dedicated monitoring cell may be set up within the UT Secretariat to oversee progress on the districts becoming operational.
Monthly reviews may be conducted with LAHDCs, district officers, and MHA representatives.
The operationalization of five new districts in Ladakh is more than a bureaucratic restructuring—it's a transformative move that aims to bring governance closer to people, improve regional equity, and strengthen India’s frontier administration. With the Union Government’s commitment and local leadership’s active engagement, is poised to mark a historic milestone in Ladakh’s administrative evolution.
Ajaz Ahmad Bardi
Chubi Leh
9906996991
[email protected]

12/05/2025

UT Ladakh Good News: NPD road is open and safe for all types of vehicles. Hundreds of vehicles are arriving in Leh from Jammu, Delhi, Chandigarh, etc., carrying students, while a similar number of vehicles are departing from Leh towards Manali, transporting stranded tourists. The following visuals were captured today, 11 May 2025 , between Chilling and Neyraks.

10/04/2025

Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal Outlines Development Vision for UT Ladakh
Union Territory of Ladakh | 09 April 2025 BARDI PGJMC
In a detailed press briefing held in Leh, the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, highlighted the region’s significant strides in development and laid out an ambitious roadmap aimed at bolstering infrastructure, governance, and public services. With a strong focus on sustainable growth and inclusive progress, Dr. Kotwal presented a comprehensive overview of the administration's current initiatives and future priorities.
Dr. Kotwal began by emphasizing the transformation in governance efficiency brought about by the full implementation of the E-Office system across UT Ladakh. This digital governance platform has accelerated the disposal of official files and allowed officers to work remotely, conduct meetings, and collaborate more effectively through webinars and virtual interfaces.
In another major step toward self-reliance and digital empowerment, the State Data Centre has now been established within the Union Territory, eliminating its previous dependency on Jammu’s infrastructure. This development is expected to significantly enhance data management, cybersecurity, and administrative autonomy.
Connectivity — a long-standing challenge in Ladakh — has also seen marked improvement. Under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), the region is witnessing an expansion of 4G mobile connectivity to even the most remote and border villages. Solar-powered telecom towers are being deployed to mitigate power issues in challenging terrains, with most towers expected to be fully operational by July 15, 2025. Dr. Kotwal noted that hurdles related to land acquisition and wildlife concerns have been effectively addressed in this process.
Touching upon the region’s financial planning, Dr. Kotwal revealed that the administration had been allocated a budget of ₹5,958 crore for the fiscal year, considering the limited six-month working season. The administration has already achieved 80 to 90% expenditure, which he described as a sign of effective financial discipline. Preparations, including the early issuance of tenders and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), are underway to ensure the timely ex*****on of all planned projects.
Tourism, which remains the backbone of Ladakh’s economy, is another sector witnessing renewed attention. With tourist numbers witnessing a dip in the previous season, the UT administration has conducted a series of review meetings with stakeholders to strategize ways to increase footfall while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
On the employment front, Dr. Kotwal announced that 3,200 individuals have been recruited into non-gazetted government posts across the UT. The recruitment process for gazetted positions is currently underway, with new recruitment rules in the final stages. These rules, once approved, will include the Resident Certificate as a key eligibility criterion under Para 4, ensuring opportunities for local aspirants.
Infrastructure remains a top priority for the administration. Dr. Kotwal provided updates on the Zojila and Sinkula tunnel projects, which are seen as game-changers for year-round connectivity. The Zojila Tunnel, managed by the NHIDCL, has completed 5.3 km of excavation from both ends, with a full breakthrough expected by the end of 2025 and project completion by 2027. Meanwhile, construction work on the Sinkula Tunnel has commenced and is anticipated to finish within the next three to four years. The strategic widening of the Khardung La Pass is also progressing as planned.
Further underscoring Ladakh’s developmental momentum, the Chief Secretary spoke of the 10,000 MW solar power project recently sanctioned by the Government of India. This massive renewable energy initiative is poised to transform the region's economy, generate employment, and position Ladakh as a green energy hub.
Healthcare and education have also received considerable attention from the administration. Dr. Kotwal noted that both Leh and Kargil district hospitals are now counted among the best healthcare facilities in the region, with improved infrastructure and highly committed medical personnel. In addition, the establishment of a new medical college in Leh, along with the filling of key medical posts under the National Health Mission (NHM), is helping bridge the gap in public health services. He added that permanent appointments for doctors, medical officers, and lecturers will soon be made, once the final criteria for gazetted posts are approved.
Addressing environmental concerns, Dr. Kotwal confirmed that the administration is actively tackling challenges such as poaching and solid waste management. Recent incidents of poaching have been addressed with swift police action, reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward wildlife crimes.
Dr. Pawan Kotwal reiterated the Ladakh administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, balanced, and sustainable development. From digital transformation to clean energy and strategic infrastructure, he said the initiatives underway are geared toward creating a self-reliant and resilient Ladakh, ready to meet the demands of the future Info Edited by Ajaz Ahmad Bardi Chubi Leh PGJMC Mob: 9906996991 Email: [email protected]