Leh, July 15: Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), Himanshu Gupta on Wednesday reviewed the progress of tourism infrastructure projects being implemented under the Special Development Package (SDP) and State Sector Schemes, directing executing agencies to speed up pending works and ensure timely completion.
Chairing a review meeting, Gupta assessed the financial and physical progress of projects during the first quarter of the 2026–27 financial year. Secretary Tourism Sanjeet Rodrigues informed the meeting that ₹2,043.68 lakh (35.08%) had been spent out of the approved ₹5,825.63 lakh SDP allocation, while ₹3,781.95 lakh remains available.
The review covered several key projects, including the Leh Convention Centre, Kargil Convention Centre, Zanskar Auditorium, Petroglyph Park, Balti Bazaar, Silk Route development, Public Park, Maha Sindhu Kumbh Mela infrastructure, Tourist Pilgrimage Gathering Hall at Kobet Gompa, Batalik War Memorial amenities, and the Cultural Centre at Leh.
Gupta directed agencies to maintain quality standards, avoid cost overruns, expedite tendering, and ensure projects are completed within stipulated timelines. He also stressed stronger inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring to remove implementation bottlenecks.
The meeting discussed improving visitor facilities through CCTV surveillance, parking management, monastery preservation, and enhanced pilgrimage and heritage tourism infrastructure across Ladakh.
Officials informed the meeting that the Petroglyph Park project is progressing well and is expected to be inaugurated by September 2026, subject to the release of the remaining funds.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Tourism Sanjeet Rodrigues, Director Tourism Tsering Paldan, Chief Planning Officer Konchok Gyalson, Joint Director Planning Tsering Angdus, Executive Engineers and other senior officials.
