A delegation of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, led by Chief Executive Councilor, Dr Sonam Dawa Lonpo called on the Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti here today.Minister for Ladakh Affairs and Cooperatives, Mr Chering Dorjay, Financial Commissioner Planning and Development, Mr B B Vyas and Principal Secretary to CM, Mr Navim Kumar Choudhary were present on the occasion.The delegation apprised the Chief Minister about various issues pertaining to the development of district Leh including allocation of adequate funds under the PM’s Developmental Package. The delegation sought special dispensation for clearing the work done liabilities to the tune of Rs 7.52 crore under the permanent restoration of flood damaged infrastructure.
They also demanded release of funds for taking up road macadamization works, repair work of damaged bridges besides adequate funds for laying power infrastructure in the region including new and renewable energy.Highlighting the geo-climatic situation and remoteness of the district, the delegation asked for enhancement of healthcare related facilities in the area, especially due to increased influx in the hospitals during the summer tourist season in the district.The delegation also asked for suitable allocation under the agriculture sector to meet the need for Cold Storage facilities to enhance the supply of agriculture and horticulture produce to the consumers. Under the tourism sector, the delegation demanded for development of wayside facilities and other infrastructure throughout the length and breadth of the district.The delegation also demanded setting up of examination centres in the district for various competitive examinations, so as to facilitate the locals appearing in such exams for which candidates otherwise have to travel to Srinagar or Jammu.Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that under the PM’s Development Package of Rs 80,000 crore, due focus has been given to important developmental projects viz Srinagar-Leh Transmission line, Solar Power generation, Zojila Tunnel, double laning of Srinagar Leh and Kargil–Zanskar roads, etc and expressed the hope that these projects will be completed within the stipulated time.
Responding to the demands of the delegation, the Chief Minister said work done liabilities shall be met in tranches, even as the State Government has taken up with the Union Government, the issues related to release of funds to complete the works under various projects including power, roads and bridges.The Chief Minister was informed that thrust is being given on completion of major projects including Convention Centre and Sports Complex that are expected to be completed in the next two years. With regard to enhancement of healthcare facilities it was assured that improved facilities will be made available in the hospitals in the district, to cater to the increased rush of patients during peak tourist season.It was informed that to give fillip to the Agriculture sector in the region a special Pashmina Promotion Programme for the purpose to promote Pashmina production has also been undertaken.Other members of the visiting delegation comprised Executive Councilors Mr Dorjey Motup, Mr Mumtaz Hussain, Mr Tsering Sandup, besides Councilors of the LAHDC, Leh.