Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh, April 23: With Ladakh gearing up for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Thursday conducted a comprehensive inspection of the route from the Technical Airport, Leh, to Jivetsal, Choglamsar, while also leading high-level coordination efforts to fine-tune arrangements for the mega spiritual event. During the inspection, Kundra reviewed preparations at the Technical Airport and interacted with Security Officer Krishan Kumar of 21 Wing Air Force Station, Leh, focusing on logistics and inter-agency coordination to ensure smooth handling of the relics’ arrival and movement. He later inspected the entire route up…

Leh: In a landmark move aimed at transforming Ladakh’s tourism landscape, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a comprehensive set of “Ease of Doing Business” reforms to deregulate the hospitality sector, reduce compliance burdens and create a unified, transparent and citizen-friendly system for tourism stakeholders. Announcing the reforms through a tweet, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative is designed to simplify procedures for registration of hotels, homestays and tour operators, while eliminating outdated requirements that have long been seen as barriers to entry. To give a major boost to the tourism sector in Ladakh, I have approved major reforms…

Leh: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Thursday made it clear that transport unions cannot set up unauthorised checkpoints or control junctions, asserting that maintaining law and order is solely the responsibility of the police. Chairing a meeting with various transport associations in Leh, the Chief Secretary addressed multiple issues affecting the sector, with a focus on ensuring smooth operations and protecting Ladakh’s tourism-driven economy. Representatives from the Mazda Union, Biker Union, Tempo Union 207, Taxi Operators Union and Transport Federation Cooperative raised concerns regarding membership renewal, cooperative functioning and operational challenges. A key issue…

The decision to establish India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Ladakh marks a timely and necessary shift in how the country approaches heritage protection. Announced around World Heritage Day and led by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, the initiative recognises that ancient rock art is not a passive relic but a living archive of human history. Along the banks of the Indus River, where many of these carvings face growing threats, the park offers a structured response to decades of neglect and exposure. Petroglyphs in Ladakh, spread across nearly 400 sites, trace a remarkable continuum—from prehistoric hunting scenes to Buddhist symbolism—reflecting cultural exchange along…

Leh, April 21: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Monday to press for early approval and execution of key infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening road connectivity in the Union Territory. During the meeting, Saxena highlighted several critical projects requiring intervention from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, stressing their importance for improving connectivity, safety, and economic growth in the region. A major focus of the discussion was the progress of the Zoji-La Tunnel. Gadkari informed that the final breakthrough of the tunnel is…

Leh, April 21: Ladakh’s public transport system is set for a major upgrade with the sanctioning of 33 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme by the Government of India, marking a significant push towards sustainable mobility in the Union Territory. The fleet, comprising 7-metre electric buses tailored for Ladakh’s rugged terrain and high-altitude conditions, is expected to be delivered within a month. The initiative aims to modernise public transport by promoting clean energy, reducing pollution, and improving overall travel efficiency. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena termed the move a major step towards building an eco-friendly transport system in the…

Leh, April 20: Senior Superintendent of Police (Security) Fulzele Piyush Nirakar on Monday reviewed security and logistical preparations for the upcoming Sacred Buddha Relics Exposition in Leh, scheduled from May 1 to May 15. The officer conducted a detailed inspection of key venues, including Jevetsal and the Dharma Centre, assessing arrangements to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the event, which is expected to draw large numbers of devotees, monks, nuns, and visitors from across India and abroad. During the visit, Nirakar reviewed crowd management strategies, including designated visiting hours, entry and exit protocols, and traffic regulation plans around…

Leh , April 15: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena visited the family of Late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, popularly known as the “Lion of Ladakh,” and conveyed his heartfelt condolences on his untimely demise. During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended solidarity with the bereaved family in this difficult time. He paid rich tributes to the late officer, remembering his extraordinary courage, unwavering dedication and supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the legacy of Col Sonam Wangchuk will continue to inspire generations, adding that the people…

Leh: Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, on Monday visited SNM Hospital to carry out a comprehensive inspection of its wards, facilities, and ongoing infrastructural development works. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner undertook a detailed review of patient care services, interacting with hospital staff and assessing the quality of healthcare being delivered to patients. He also examined the status of ongoing upgrades and infrastructural improvements aimed at strengthening medical facilities in the region. Emphasizing the importance of efficient healthcare delivery, the DC directed the concerned authorities to ensure that all services meet the highest standards, with special focus on…

Kargil, April 13: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Monday conducted a visit to the bustling Kargil town market, engaging directly with traders, locals and key stakeholders to assess pressing civic and commercial challenges affecting daily life and business activity. The visit was undertaken in the presence of Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Kargil, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohd Haneefa Jan, and President of JUAIK, Sheikh Nazir-Ul-Mehdi. During a walkthrough of the market lanes, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with traders and residents, gaining first-hand insight into the issues hampering smooth commercial operations…

Leh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday launched Project Him Sarovar, a major initiative aimed at strengthening water security through scientific snow harvesting and creation of water bodies across Ladakh. The project seeks to address the region’s persistent water scarcity by conserving snowmelt and glacial runoff, ensuring a more reliable supply of water for irrigation and other essential needs in the cold desert landscape. Marking the launch, excavation work for 50 water bodies began simultaneously in Leh and Kargil districts. Each structure, measuring 40×30 metres with a depth of 2 metres, is designed to store snowmelt that would otherwise…

Leh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Old Age Home (Zimskhang) at Saboothang, marking a significant step towards strengthening social welfare infrastructure for senior citizens in Ladakh. Spread across 1,925 square metres and constructed at a cost of ₹19.74 crore, the facility has been designed to accommodate around 50–55 elderly residents. Equipped with 12 rooms, four dormitories, medical and office spaces, a dining-cum-kitchen area, TV room, and accessibility features for differently-abled individuals, the home aims to provide a safe and comfortable living environment. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the UT Administration and the…

Leh, April 9: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday reviewed the progress of the New Terminal Building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport and directed officials to expedite work to ensure its completion by July-end. During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor inspected key facilities including baggage carousels, waiting lounges, public amenities and parking areas at the under-construction terminal, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹640 crore. Officials informed that the state-of-the-art terminal, spread over around 19,000 square metres, is being built as a three-level structure in two phases. Phase I includes 20 check-in counters, an inline baggage handling system,…

Leh, April 9: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with revered Rinpoches, monks, officials and key stakeholders to review preparations for the upcoming Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Leh and Zanskar. The meeting was attended by prominent spiritual leaders including Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, Palga Rinpoche, Stakna Rinpoche and Ven. Sanghasena of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, along with representatives from various monasteries. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on preparatory rituals and ceremonial arrangements. It was informed that the All Ladakh Gonpa Association will coordinate chanting recitals involving monks…

Leh, Apr 8: In a major push to promote Ladakh’s tourism and spiritual heritage, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday launched two key digital platforms—the official Ladakh Tourism portal and the website for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Gautama Buddha. The portals were unveiled at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat in Leh in the presence of senior officials, monks and revered rinpoches, marking a significant step towards strengthening Ladakh’s global tourism and cultural footprint. The newly launched tourism portal has been developed as a comprehensive digital hub to promote Ladakh as a premier destination. Designed to be…

Leh, Apr 8: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has introduced bamboo and a range of flowering trees—including Gulmohar, Jacaranda, Bougainvillea, and Amaltas—in Leh, aiming to enhance the region’s green landscape and ecological diversity. Pleased to share that the UT Administration has undertaken a unique initiative of planting Bamboos and flowering trees like Gulmohar, Jacaranda, Bougainvillea and Amaltas, for the first time in Leh. The saplings brought in from Delhi, were kept under controlled conditions for 10… pic.twitter.com/8EuxwBTuYx — LG Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) April 8, 2026 Sharing the development, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the plantation…

Leh: In a major relief to residents of Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has ordered the renewal of long-pending expired lease deeds, addressing a demand that had remained unresolved for years. The decision is set to provide legal security to landholders across the region, benefiting a large section of the population whose lease cases had been pending for prolonged periods. The Lieutenant Governor has directed the Chief Secretary to organise special camps to fast-track the clearance of such cases and ensure timely distribution of renewed lease documents. The first camp is scheduled to be held on April 15, where…

Leh, April 7: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday launched the Jung sJabs Outreach Programme at Sheynam Community Hall, reinforcing the Administration’s push for doorstep delivery of public services across Ladakh. Organised under the tagline “Administration at Your Doorsteps,” the initiative aims to ensure saturation of welfare schemes in villages by making essential services easily accessible, particularly in remote and far-flung areas of Leh district. Multiple government departments set up dedicated stalls at the venue, offering a wide range of services including revenue assistance, Aadhaar enrolment, banking facilities, healthcare, social and labour welfare, as well as support for agriculture,…

Jammu: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered the immediate transfer of two AGMUT cadre officers from Jammu and Kashmir to Ladakh, in a move seen as part of routine administrative reshuffling within the Union Territories. According to an official order issued by the MHA, IAS officer Nidhi Malik (AGMUT: 2013) and IPS officer Koshal Kumar Sharma (AGMUT: 2012) have been posted to Ladakh with immediate effect. The order, approved by the competent authority, stated that the postings will remain in force until further directions. Nidhi Malik was recently serving as Inspector General of Registration in Jammu and Kashmir,…

Alchi Monastery, located about 70 kilometers from Leh along the Indus River, is one of Ladakh’s most remarkable and historic monasteries. Built in the 11th century, it is part of a group of small monasteries in the Alchi village area and is renowned for its ancient murals, sculptures, and wall paintings, which are among the oldest in Ladakh. https://youtube.com/shorts/UHMvRhTLJnw?feature=share Unlike many hilltop monasteries, Alchi sits in a low-lying area surrounded by fertile fields, giving it a peaceful and serene environment. Its temples feature beautiful wood carvings, intricate frescoes, and statues of Buddha, preserving a wealth of artistic heritage. Scholars and…