Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday called on Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at Lok Niwas in Leh to discuss measures aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation in the Union Territory. The meeting focused on enhancing coordination between the administration and the armed forces, particularly in the strategically significant border region.
In a post on X, the L-G stated, "We discussed strengthening civil-military cooperation, fostering closer coordination between the administration and the armed forces, re-employment of Agniveers in the UT Administration, and advancing collective efforts for peace, stability and development in the region." The visit underscores the Army's continued focus on maintaining operational preparedness and improving synergy with the civil administration.
Parliamentary Committee Interaction
Separately, the L-G also interacted with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, which was on a visit to Ladakh. The committee, chaired by MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor, sought details on the region's key challenges and the measures being undertaken to address them.
During the interaction, L-G Saxena briefed members on Ladakh's fragile ecosystem, growing environmental concerns, and escalating water scarcity. He highlighted several initiatives, including Project Him Sarovar, the construction of rock check dams under the Sindhu Jal Samridhi Abhiyan, and extensive plantation drives aimed at mitigating these challenges.
The L-G expressed gratitude to the committee for appreciating these initiatives and assured full cooperation in future efforts. He posted on X, "Had an engaging and fruitful interaction with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Hon'ble MP Dr Shashi Tharoor, during their Ladakh visit yesterday."
Strategic Importance
The Army Chief's visit to Ladakh comes amid heightened focus on border security and development in the region. The discussions on Agniveer re-employment highlight the government's commitment to integrating former soldiers into the civilian workforce, while the emphasis on civil-military coordination aims to ensure seamless collaboration for peace and stability.
Ladakh's unique environmental challenges, including water scarcity and fragile ecosystems, remain a priority for the administration. Projects like the Sindhu Jal Samridhi Abhiyan and rock check dams are part of a broader strategy to address these issues, with the Parliamentary Committee's support seen as crucial for securing additional resources and policy backing.
