Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Radha Krishna Mathur convened a review meeting with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of Leh and Kargil districts headed by respective Chief Executive Councillors through video conferencing today.Advisor to Hon’ble LG, Umang Narula, Commissioner Secretary, Ladakh Rigzin Samphel, Divisional Commissioner Ladakh, Saugat Biswas and Inspector-General of Police, Ladakh S. S. Khandare also attended the meeting at Raj Niwas.The meeting commenced with a detailed discussion on the status of COVID-19 in Ladakh. Secretary Health presented information related to COVID-19 patients, people in quarantine and surveillance, quarantine facilities, dedicated COVID-19 hospitals, logistics and action taken by the Administration under the guidelines of Government of India. The Lt. Governor informed that a plan is under process to bring the Ladakhi patients, pilgrims, students and others back to Ladakh at the earliest. He also informed that 112 doctors will be inducted on a contractual basis to augment the medical personnel. He emphasized on starting the work on setting up of the Medical College in Ladakh on a war footing with future situations in view. He added that soon 200 Junior Engineers will also be engaged on contractual basis on priority.The Divisional Commissioner Ladakh apprised about the present status of stocking of essential commodities in Leh and Kargil. He said that strict surveillance, screening and sanitizing of the trucks coming from Srinagar carrying these commodities are being ensured by Administration and Police department in coordination with the Councils. District plans for 2020-21 with a Capex Budget of Rs.464.85 crores for both the Hill Councils were discussed during the meeting. The LG requested the Councils to submit their plans within April 2020. He exhorted all the departments to submit their outstanding liability files for clearance in a time-bound manner.
He also emphasized on clearing liabilities under MGNREGA and directed the Deputy Commissioner/ CEO, LAHDC, Leh and Kargil to commence various developmental works and flagship schemes including PMGKY in their districts.With the start of agriculture activities in Ladakh the Lt. Governor was apprised about the distribution of vegetable seeds and fertilizers by the Agriculture department to the farmers in Leh and Kargil districts. CEC Kargil informed that 90% of planting is done and remaining in areas like Zanskar shall be taken up shortly. CEC Leh informed that plantation is proceeding smoothly though there are issues of shortages of skilled and unskilled labourers. The Executive Councilors from Leh and Kargil also presented their views on their subjects. In order to address the shortage of fresh vegetables during winter months in Ladakh, the meeting decided to start with polycarbonate greenhouses through departmental scheme in both the districts. The Lt. Governor directed the Deputy Commissioners to provide all necessary help to the farmers and to ensure adherence to the COVID-19 advisory during cultivation.Advisor Narula while summarizing the discussions pointed out the need for greater synergy at all levels in carrying out the developmental activities more efficiently in the region. He said that with the opening of Zojila for traffic movement and resuming of Air services could pose serious challenges in the control of COVID-19. He stressed on having a concrete plan for optimum facility in terms of quarantine, screening, testing and logistics.The Lt. Governor thanked the two Councils, Panchayats, village Nambarders, volunteers of NCC, NSS, NYK, NGOs and religious organisations for their cooperation and support in battling the novel coronavirus pandemic. He asserted, “It’s our joint efforts that today Ladakhi society has set an example for the rest of the country in controlling the spread of COVID-19 exhibiting unity, patience and responsibility towards one’s own and nation’s duty.” He also exhorted everyone to be compliant with GoI instructions and to be fully alert and careful and to use the Arogya Setu app. He reiterated that it is mandatory for the people to wear a mask in public places, ensure social distancing and public hygiene even when the situation normalizes.