Five New Districts and Master Plan Announced
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday marked his first 100 days in office by outlining a series of governance and economic initiatives. Saxena assumed charge on March 13, three days after demitting office as Delhi L-G. In a post on X, he emphasized the need for simple yet scientific solutions to address Ladakh's tough terrain and fragile ecosystem.
Among the major governance initiatives, the administration notified five new districts to bring administration closer to the people. Ladakh's first Master Plan is being prepared through a memorandum of understanding with the School of Planning and Architecture. A model border village project at Chumur under the Vibrant Villages Programme was also launched.
Labour Reforms and Public Service Improvements
The administration cited reforms in labour welfare and public services, including a substantial increase in wages for daily-rated and part-time workers. Long-pending residential land-lease deeds were renewed, and restrictions that limited career-progression opportunities for government employees were removed.
Tourism and Economic Reforms
On the economic front, the report highlighted tourism-sector reforms through a unified registration system. Hotels and guesthouses were granted industry status with tariff and tax concessions. Twenty-three government services were integrated on a single Ease of Doing Business portal. The L-G also pointed to agreements for the export of Ladakhi apricots and measures to strengthen rural livelihoods through cooperative networks.
Environmental Protection Initiatives
Environmental protection featured prominently, with the administration citing the launch of the Indus River Green Corridor initiative, plantation drives under the Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert Urban Forestry programme, and the restoration of 800 acres of barren land. Community-led cleanliness campaigns and promotion of renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal power were also highlighted.
Water Security Projects
In the water sector, the L-G highlighted Project Him Sarovar for glacier-fed ponds, the operationalisation of major irrigation canals, and construction of eco-friendly rock check dams under the Sindhu Jal Samridhi Abhiyan. Traditional water bodies were restored, and an MoU was signed with the Ministry of Jal Shakti to provide safe drinking water to every rural household through tap connections.
“As I complete 100 days of service, as the Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, I reflect on this land’s unparalleled beauty and uniqueness. Ladakh, with its tough geographical terrain and fragile ecosystem, demands simple yet scientific solutions to safeguard its sensitive environment, while ensuring sustainable progress,” Saxena said. He added, “The challenges here are immense, but so are the opportunities to build a resilient, self-reliant and prosperous Ladakh.”
