Author: The Dispatch Staff

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…

Lamayuru Monastery, located about 125 kilometers from Leh, is one of Ladakh’s oldest and most historically significant monasteries. Founded over a thousand years ago, it belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been a center of spiritual learning for centuries. https://youtube.com/shorts/yG8URIiwDgM?feature=share What makes Lamayuru especially famous is its surrounding landscape, often called “Moonland” due to its unusual, rugged rock formations that resemble the surface of the moon. The monastery, perched above this dramatic terrain, is an architectural gem with whitewashed walls, prayer halls, and vibrant murals depicting Buddhist teachings and local legends. For tourists, Lamayuru Monastery…

Diskit Monastery, perched on a hill in the Nubra Valley, is the oldest and one of the most important monasteries in the region. Founded in the 14th century, it belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been a spiritual center for centuries. https://youtube.com/shorts/4wAZELfJlNA?feature=share The monastery’s most striking feature is the giant 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, overlooking the valley and sand dunes. This statue symbolizes protection and peace, and its presence enhances the monastery’s serene and spiritual atmosphere. Inside, visitors can see beautifully decorated prayer halls, ancient murals, and a collection of sacred manuscripts, offering insight into…

Hemis Monastery, located about 45 kilometers from Leh, is the largest and one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh. Founded in the 17th century by King Singge Namgyal, it belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is renowned for its vibrant festivals and rich heritage. https://youtube.com/shorts/Z3FAT6kiriI?feature=share The monastery is an architectural marvel, with whitewashed walls, towering red-and-gold prayer halls, and beautifully decorated interiors filled with statues, thangkas, and ancient manuscripts. Hemis is particularly famous for the annual Hemis festival, held in July, which attracts locals and tourists alike. The festival features masked dances, music, and elaborate…

Thiksey Monastery, located about 19 kilometers from Leh, is one of Ladakh’s largest and most impressive monasteries. Often called the “Mini Potala Palace” because of its striking resemblance to Lhasa’s famous Potala, Thiksey sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the Indus Valley below. https://youtube.com/shorts/NnnGxVDA9cw?feature=share Built in traditional Tibetan Buddhist style, the monastery is a multi-level structure housing monks’ quarters, temples, and classrooms. Its most famous feature is the 12-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which dominates the main prayer hall and is a remarkable sight for visitors. The monastery also contains beautiful murals, thangkas (religious paintings), and ancient scriptures,…

Sankar Monastery, located just a few kilometers from Leh town, is a serene Buddhist monastery that offers a glimpse into Ladakh’s spiritual life. Unlike some of the larger, more famous monasteries, Sankar is small and peaceful, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection and understanding local monastic traditions. https://youtube.com/shorts/5eV8pAtwHjM?feature=share Built in traditional Ladakhi style, the monastery features whitewashed walls, simple prayer halls, and colorful murals depicting Buddhist teachings. Visitors can observe monks performing daily rituals, chanting, and engaging in their spiritual practices, giving a real sense of the monastic lifestyle. For tourists, the monastery’s location is a big attraction.…

Leh Palace, standing proudly on a hill above Leh town, is one of Ladakh’s most famous landmarks. Built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, the palace was the royal home of the Namgyal dynasty. It has nine stories made of stone, wood, and mud, showing the traditional Ladakhi style of architecture. The wooden windows, steep staircases, and open courtyards make it look both beautiful and strong. For anyone studying Ladakh’s history, Leh Palace is important because it shows how kings lived and how the architecture of that time was influenced by Tibetan and Central Asian styles. https://youtube.com/shorts/Y_eXJJnX4kk?feature=share For…

Shanti Stupa, located on a hilltop near Leh, is one of Ladakh’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist monks along with local Ladakhi Buddhists, the stupa was constructed to promote world peace and Buddhism. Its bright white dome contrasts beautifully with the rugged Himalayan mountains, making it a striking sight from far away. https://youtube.com/shorts/h7CDKJUnSyk?feature=share For tourists, Shanti Stupa is a peaceful place to visit, offering panoramic views of Leh town and the surrounding mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset. The stupa has two levels: the lower level shows Buddha’s life story through paintings, while the upper level…