Author: The Dispatch Staff

Khaltse: In preparation for the Indus River cleanliness drive scheduled for August 1, the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Khaltse, Mohd Sharif, chaired a review meeting to finalise arrangements and ensure smooth execution of the campaign. The drive will begin at 8:00 AM and aims to promote environmental sustainability and public hygiene in the region. SDM Sharif emphasized the need for collective action and directed all officers and officials of the sub-division to participate mandatorily. He also instructed the Numberdar of Khaltse to mobilize active involvement from villagers and identify tributaries and gorges to be cleaned by the sub-divisional staff.…

Leh: As part of the ongoing Month of Compassion initiative, the District Youth Services and Sports Office (DYSSO), Leh, organized a series of meaningful community-driven activities aimed at promoting compassion towards animals and the environment. The department’s efforts included feeding stray dogs from the office premises up to Shey village, reflecting a deep concern for animal welfare. In another symbolic act of compassion, fish were released into the river under the traditional practice of Tsethar, highlighting reverence for all living beings. In addition, the DYSSO conducted an extensive cleanliness drive covering the office premises and surrounding Skampari areas, reinforcing the…

Leh: As part of the ongoing Month of Compassion initiative in Nubra Sub-Division, the Department of Agriculture, Ladakh, organized awareness and outreach camps to promote compassion-driven, sustainable agriculture and revive traditional farming practices in the region. The one-day awareness camps were held at Kobet on 18th July and Turtuk Youl on 19th July, 2025, with the aim of reconnecting farmers with traditional crops and eco-friendly methods of cultivation. Agriculture officials delivered expert lectures on the importance of highly nutritious traditional crops, many of which have faded from local practice due to lack of awareness. The speakers highlighted the nutritional, cultural,…

Khaltsi: Under the ongoing Month of Compassion initiative, a Stop Diarrhoea Campaign was launched at the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Khaltsi on July 10, 2025. The drive is aimed at strengthening diarrhoea prevention and management efforts across the region, especially for children. The event saw the active involvement of the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Pediatrician, Community Health Officer (CHO), Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Supervisors, ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs). In collaboration with the Health Department, ORS and Zinc supplements were distributed to ensure timely treatment of diarrhoea cases. As part of the campaign strategy, all Anganwadi Workers were…

Leh: In a significant move aimed at enhancing safety and sustainability in the adventure tourism sector, the Department of Tourism and Culture, UT Secretariat Ladakh, has released the draft of the Model Adventure Tourism Safety Regulation Act and invited public suggestions and feedback. This proposed legislation is designed to set comprehensive safety standards for adventure activities while preserving Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and promoting responsible tourism practices. The proposed Act, which covers a wide spectrum of land- and water-based outdoor experiences, seeks to formalize regulations for operators and guides while distinguishing between high-risk adventure activities and low-risk recreational ones. Air-based adventures…

Leh: Secretary of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, underlined the need to create widespread awareness among transport stakeholders regarding the newly introduced Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) system. He emphasized that proper training for vehicle drivers is essential to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the tracking mechanism. Dr. Kotwal made these remarks during the official inauguration of the VLTD fitment project at the Command-and-Control Centre, ARTO Leh, a significant step toward real-time monitoring and safer mobility in the Union Territory. The event was attended by Administrative Secretary, Transport Department, Bhupesh Chaudhary, and other senior officials. The VLTD system is…

Leh: Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, has highlighted the deep-rooted civilisational and ecological relevance of Ladakh while addressing a significant academic gathering in Leh. Delivering the convocation address at the first convocation ceremony of Sindhu Central University held at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar, Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, underscored the deep cultural and historical relevance of the university’s name, “Sindhu.” Describing “Sindhu” as more than just a name, Dr. Kotwal referred to it as a living symbol of South Asia’s ancient civilisational identity, representing a continuity of values, heritage, and knowledge systems.…

Leh: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh is set to launch the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for girl students of Classes 10 to 12, with special priority for those from underprivileged backgrounds, particularly those enrolled in government schools. This was decided during a review meeting chaired by CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, held to assess preparations for the vaccination rollout and the upcoming district-wide eye screening camp. The meeting held in the presence of DC/CEO LAHDC Leh, Romil Singh Donk, the meeting was attended by key health and education officials including Director Health Dr. Tashi Thinles, CMO Leh…

Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, met a delegation of vendors from the Old Taxi Stand who raised concerns about the ongoing floor tiling work affecting their business during the peak tourist season. The vendors urged that the tiling be carried out in phases, starting from one side, so that business activities on the other side can continue uninterrupted. Dr. Akhoon assured the delegation of timely intervention and directed the Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee to visit the site and assess the situation on priority. The EO has been asked to…

Kargil: Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, conducted an extensive on-site review of key power infrastructure in the Zanskar region, including the Haftal Power House, Raru Electrical Station, and the Takkar 11 KV line. At Haftal Power House, the DC assessed ongoing canal-related works critical for efficient plant operation. He directed the Chief Project Engineer to ensure the completion of the canal by the end of August, underscoring the importance of timely delivery to strengthen local power generation. Inspecting the Raru Electrical Station, the Deputy Commissioner took note of persistent line fault issues and instructed officials to explore viable…

Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, chaired a key review meeting to assess progress on the NH-301 Kargil–Zanskar road project and address pending land compensation issues. The meeting was attended by ED PRO Ladakh Rajendra Prasad, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Jahangeer Akhoon, SDM Sankoo, Executive Engineer of Suru Valley Division, NHIDCL General Manager, contractors from Top Line, and officials from the Revenue Department. Officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) provided an update on the road construction, currently underway at multiple sites. Dr. Akhoon…

Kargil: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kargil, in collaboration with the Union Territory Disaster Response Force (UT-DRF), conducted a comprehensive disaster preparedness and awareness camp in Sankoo on Tuesday. The initiative aimed at building public awareness and readiness in the face of natural and man-made emergencies, particularly in the remote and disaster-prone Himalayan region. The camp was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS), Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sankoo, Waseem Ramzan, and other senior officials, including representatives from PWD, Health Department, Education Department, and local administrative bodies. Students and faculty of the Sankoo Campus, Government Degree College Kargil, members…

Leh: As part of the ongoing “Month of Compassion” initiative, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Department, in collaboration with the Health Department, launched the “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” across Leh district. The campaign is focused on raising awareness about the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups. A key component of the campaign is the establishment of ORS-Zinc Corners at all Anganwadi Centres in the district. These were set up on July 10, 2025, and are now serving as vital access points for the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets and Zinc tablets. The…

Leh: As part of the ongoing Month of Compassion initiative, the Sheep Husbandry Department Nubra carried out a successful mass vaccination drive against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at the Digger highland pasture on July 22. A total of 405 livestock were vaccinated during the drive. The campaign was aimed at protecting the health and well-being of livestock in the region, while also raising awareness among herders and pastoral communities about the importance of preventive animal healthcare. Officials from the department stated that the initiative aligns with the larger goals of the Month of Compassion, which focuses on promoting kindness…

Leh: A six-day training programme on the LoKOS Transaction Application and Human Resource Management was inaugurated today by the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM) at the District Panchayat Resource Centre, Leh. A total of 65 participants, including LRLM staff and community cadres from across Ladakh, are attending the workshop. The training is part of LRLM’s ongoing effort to strengthen digital governance and institutional capacity under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). Expert trainers from the National Mission Management Unit (NMMU), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, are conducting the sessions. LoKOS is a mobile-based digital…

Leh: Councillor of Chushul Constituency, Konchok Stanzin, concluded a four-day development tour across his constituency from July 19 to 22, covering all major villages and engaging directly with local communities. The visit aimed to review the status of ongoing developmental works and to gather feedback from residents. The tour began on July 19 at Chushul village, followed by visits to Barma, Kherapullu, Satoo, and Chibra on July 20. On July 21, the Councillor reached Maan, Merak, and Spangmik, and concluded his journey on July 22 with stops in Phobrang, Urgo, and Lukung. Throughout the visit,  Stanzin conducted…

Leh: Connectivity was swiftly restored in the Kilima–Chilling sector of the Nimu–Padum–Darcha road in Ladakh after flash floods triggered landslides, snapping the vital link and leaving several locals and tourists stranded. https://youtube.com/shorts/xQ2FqHUhQQI?feature=share In a prompt overnight response on July 20, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Yojak launched a 50-foot Bailey Bridge at KM 92.40, successfully restoring the disrupted route. The road, which serves as a key lifeline to the remote Zanskar region, was rendered impassable due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. Thanks to the tireless efforts of BRO personnel, the bridge was installed overnight, ensuring…

Leh: In a high-risk rescue operation, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Leh, Tashi Gyalson, was safely evacuated after his vehicle accidentally slipped into the Zanskar River while traveling along the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha (NPD) Road. The incident occurred as CEC Gyalson was on his way to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Karsha Photang and Yarchos Chenmo, being presided over by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Zanskar. Accompanied by his security personnel, the CEC’s convoy faced a life-threatening situation when their vehicle skidded off the road and into the river. Responding with remarkable promptness, Officer Commanding 114 RCC, Major Ajay…

Leh: Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, issued firm directives to all district officers for the consistent use and monitoring of the Aspirational Blocks Performance Portal during a review meeting held at the VC Room, DC Office, Leh. The session focused on assessing the development progress across key sectors—Health, Education, Agriculture, and Social Infrastructure—under the Aspirational Blocks Programme. Additional District Development Commissioner Sonam Nurboo (JKAS) presented a detailed performance analysis for the quarters ending December 2024 and March 2025, with special attention to Rupsho block. Departmental heads elaborated on their progress in line with the compiled data. DC Donk emphasized…

Leh: In his first official meeting after taking charge, Secretary Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Rudra Goud P.T., IAS, reviewed the progress of flagship schemes and ongoing projects in a high-level meeting held at the Chief Animal Husbandry Office, Leh. Joined by Directors Dr. Mohammad Ismail (Animal Husbandry & Fisheries) and Dr. Iftikhar Hussain (Sheep Husbandry), along with sectoral heads, the review focused on schemes under the Special Development Package, District Capex Budget, and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Detailed presentations outlined achievements, gaps, and future strategies. Key discussions included infrastructure upgrades, veterinary services, fodder supply, and the promotion of cold-water fisheries. Secretary…