Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh: In a major development aimed at addressing long-pending demands of the people of Ladakh, the Central Government is actively considering the regularisation of nautor land — barren government-owned land that has been cultivated or used by locals for years. https://youtube.com/shorts/doc65W8mgP4?si=MlphOzJP9hjE1pjf The decision follows the recent two-day visit of Union Home Secretary to Ladakh, where he held high-level discussions with civil society leaders and local administration officials regarding land rights and governance issues. Acting on the Home Ministry’s directions, the Ladakh administration has constituted a high-level committee to examine the issue of nautor land and recommend a framework for…

Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, conducted a detailed visit to Karchay Khar and adjoining areas to review ongoing developmental works and address public grievances. His visit included an inspection of the landslide-hit irrigation canal at Bumbis Thang, where he assured local residents that the debris would be cleared promptly to restore water supply. At Karchekhar Hospital, Dr. Akhoon inaugurated a newly sanctioned ambulance provided through J&K Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. He expressed appreciation to the bank for supporting rural healthcare and assured residents that the ambulance would soon be made operational.…

Leh: Advocacy group Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Wednesday urged newly appointed Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta to hold talks with local stakeholders before inviting investment in the Union Territory. LAB, along with Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been holding talks with the Centre over their four-point agenda — statehood, Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, dedicated Public Service Commission (PSC) and two parliamentary seats. The two outfits have been spearheading an agitation over the past four years in support of their demands. LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay said they are waiting for the next round of talks with the government and…

Leh: In a heartening example of wildlife conservation, the Department of Wildlife Protection, UT of Ladakh, successfully rescued and rehabilitated an injured Red Fox found in the Spituk Farka area of Leh. The incident was first reported on the evening of June 1, 2025, by Mr. Gonbo, a resident of Spituk village, who spotted the fox limping while on his way to work. He promptly informed the Range Office, Leh. Acting swiftly, Range Officer Phunchok Wangtak and Rescue Incharge Smanla Tsering rushed to the spot and safely captured the injured animal. The fox was transported to the Wildlife Rescue and…

Leh: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has deputed a team of officers from various departments to support the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2025. The deployment includes officials from departments such as Public Works (R\&B), Agriculture, Industries, Housing and Urban Development, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Forest, Home, Tourism, Planning, Social Welfare, Education, and Finance. Key officers assigned for duties include Deputy Secretaries, Under Secretaries, Assistant Directors, Lecturers, and Officiating Account Officers, all currently serving at the UT Secretariat and associated directorates. These officers will play essential roles in the planning, coordination, and smooth execution of the celebration…

Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, unveiled the official logo for the inaugural Suru Summer Festival 2025 at the Council Secretariat today. The launch ceremony was attended by Executive Councillors Kacho Mohd Feroz and Aga Syed Mujtaba, ADC Imteeaz Kacho, Councillors Liyaqat Ali and Aga Ain-ul-Huda, and Assistant Director Tourism Muhammad Ali Tak. The Suru Summer Festival, scheduled for August 26, will be held across several picturesque locations including Ashana, Khumbathang, Karpo Khar, Namsuru, Kochik, and Damsna. Organized by the UT Ladakh Tourism Department in collaboration with LAHDC and the Kargil District Administration,…

Kargil: A delegation from Chortanchan Hagnis met with Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, to press for the establishment of a Medical Aid Centre in their village. The group, comprising local representatives and villagers, highlighted the urgent need for accessible healthcare in the area. With a population of around 1,300, residents currently rely on the nearest hospital in Chiktan, located about 5 kilometers away. The lack of local medical facilities poses serious challenges—particularly for the elderly, pregnant women, and emergency patients. Acknowledging the community’s concerns, CEC Dr. Akhoon stated that although there is no…

Leh: A delegation from Spituk Gonpa met with Hon’ble Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, to discuss preparations for the much-anticipated visit of His Eminence Kushok Bakula Rinpoche to Spituk Monastery on July 31. The visit marks a significant spiritual moment, as Rinpoche returns to Ladakh after a long interval. The delegation comprised the Gonpa’s Chakzot and Nyerpa, Spituk Goba, and the President of Spituk Tsogspa. Also present during the meeting was Additional SP Leh, Shri Rigzin Sandup. CEC Tashi Gyalson assured the group that necessary instructions would be issued to ensure smooth coordination among all departments involved. He emphasized…

Leh: In a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences, journalists from Assam and Ladakh came together in Leh for an interactive media meet organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), UT Ladakh, in collaboration with Press Club Leh. The visiting media delegation from Assam, led by Ms. Smita Saikia of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), was warmly welcomed with traditional khataks by DIPR and local journalists. The 13-member Assam team, comprising PIB officials, digital media professionals, and a well-known YouTuber, is in Leh on an exposure tour that began on July 28. The session opened with remarks…

Leh: A three-day orientation program on the Holistic Progress Report Card (HPC), a flagship initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, kicked off today at Ladakh Public School, Leh. The training is aimed at Head Teachers and FLN (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy) educators from both government and private schools across the district. The program was inaugurated by Chief Education Officer Leh, Ms. Deldan Angmo, who stressed the importance of integrating HPC into school assessment systems to ensure more meaningful, well-rounded evaluations of student learning. Around 130 teachers are participating in the training, which focuses on implementing the HPC—a tool…

Leh: Chief Planning Officer Leh, Tsewang Gyalson, held a key review meeting today to evaluate the progress of development projects under the District Capex Budget for the PWD (R&B) Division in Khaltsi. The meeting took place at the VC Room of the DC Office, with officials presenting updates on infrastructure work, road projects, livelihood centres, and blacktopping initiatives. Executive Engineer Thinlas Zangpo led the presentation, offering a detailed overview of ongoing works in the region. Emphasizing the need for timely implementation, CPO Gyalson urged teams to accelerate spending in line with the sanctioned budget and maintain close coordination at the…

Leh: Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, and SSP Leh, Shruti Arora, paid a visit to the newly built Bridge Café in Shayok village, located in the Durbuk subdivision. The inspection was part of a broader field visit, joined by the SDM and Tehsildar of Durbuk, to assess the safety and structural soundness of the café. During the visit, DC Leh instructed officials to carry out a detailed safety audit of the structure, directing the SDM and Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) to lead the assessment. A comprehensive report has been requested to ensure all aspects, including construction quality and structural…

Leh: In a major step toward strengthening foundational education in Ladakh, the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of LAHDC Leh, Mr. Tsering Angchuk, inaugurated the new Model Balvatika Room and Mathematics Lab at DIET Leh today. The facilities have been developed under the NIPUN Bharat Mission, focusing on early-grade literacy and numeracy. The launch event was attended by key dignitaries, including Ms. Bhanu Brabha (IAS), Secretary of School Education, UT Ladakh, along with educators and stakeholders committed to improving the region’s education ecosystem. To complement the launch, a five-day summer orientation program is underway at DIET Leh from July 28 to August…

Leh: A tragic accident struck an Indian Army convoy in Ladakh on Tuesday morning when a massive boulder dislodged from a cliff and hit one of the vehicles moving along the treacherous Durbuk–Chongtash route. The incident occurred around 11:30 AM, resulting in the deaths of a Lieutenant Colonel and a jawan, while three other officers — two Majors and a Captain — sustained injuries. The injured personnel were immediately evacuated and are currently receiving treatment at the Army Hospital in Leh. According to the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps, the convoy was navigating a mountainous stretch when the boulder…

Leh: In a decisive step towards protecting Ladakh’s lifeline, the Indus River, Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, alongside CEC LAHDC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson, chaired a high-level meeting to kickstart a comprehensive clean-up campaign along the stretch from Upshi to Phey. The initiative follows a proposal by the CEC and focuses on a “Zero Tolerance Against Pollution” approach. Dr. Kotwal emphasized that the campaign must go beyond symbolism and bring lasting behavioural change. He called for the active involvement of civilians, tourists, defense personnel, and local communities in preserving the sacred river. Key directives included restricting the use of small…

Leh: In a celebration of grassroots development and local leadership, the Sampoornata Abhiyan Samman Samaroh was held in Leh to honour the remarkable achievements of Rupsho Block in Leh district and Karsha Block in Kargil under the Aspirational Block Programme (ABP). Launched by NITI Aayog in 2023, the ABP aims to accelerate development through focused interventions, convergence of government schemes, and community-driven action. The event brought together senior officials from both Leh and Kargil, including Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar and Commissioner Secretary Dr. Laltinkhuma Franklin, who praised the collaborative efforts driving positive change across Ladakh. Rupsho Block stood out for…

Ladakh: Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is all set to bring a tale of legendary courage to the big screen with his upcoming war drama ‘120 Bahadur’, which was shot in the freezing heights of Ladakh. The film, inspired by the heroics of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (PVC) during the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, promises to be a heartfelt tribute to Indian soldiers who displayed unimaginable bravery. According to industry sources, Farhan and his team filmed at 14,000 feet above sea level, where temperatures dropped as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. “It was an intense shoot. The aim was to…

Leh: In a major development for job seekers in Ladakh, the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board (LSSSSB) has announced recruitment for 377 government posts across various departments in the Union Territory. The recruitment drive is seen as a significant step towards boosting local employment and strengthening public services. Online applications for these vacancies will be open from August 4 to September 3, 2025, on the official LSSSSB website: https://lssssb.ladakh.gov.in. Interested candidates are advised to visit the site to check the detailed notification regarding eligibility criteria, post-wise details, and the application process. Welcoming the announcement, Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Leh, Adv.…

Leh: As the Union Territory of Ladakh prepares to mark the 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervor, Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal held a key review meeting to ensure the celebrations across Leh and Kargil are conducted with discipline, dignity, and full public participation. The meeting, held at Leh, brought together senior officials from across departments to finalize every detail—from ceremonial protocols and cultural performances to infrastructure and crowd management. Dr. Kotwal set a clear tone: this year’s celebrations must be better than ever, reflecting both the spirit of freedom and the unique identity of Ladakh. He emphasized the importance…

Leh: Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Leh, Tsewang Gyalson, chaired a comprehensive review meeting with officials from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division of PWD Leh on July 28 at the VC Room, DC Office, Leh. The meeting was part of the ongoing efforts to ensure timely implementation and effective utilization of funds under the District CAPEX Budget. During the session, officials from the R&B Division presented a detailed report supported by site photographs, highlighting the progress and expenditure status of ongoing developmental projects. The photographic documentation was particularly appreciated by the CPO, who noted that such practices enhance transparency…