Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena today inaugurated Ladakh’s first 3-tier Multi-Level Stacked Parking Facility at the District Motor Garage in Leh, describing it as an important step towards decongesting roads and making efficient use of the region’s limited urban space.The new facility is aimed at addressing parking challenges in Leh and improving public convenience amid the growing pressure on urban infrastructure.As part of the administration’s push towards cleaner and greener mobility, LG Saxena also distributed subsidy cheques to beneficiaries under the Ladakh EV Policy and flagged off an Electric Vehicle Demonstration Rally.He said the initiative would help…

Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena today flagged off the first air consignment of 15,000 “A-grade” Ladakh-grown Liliums from Leh Airport to national markets, marking a significant step towards commercial floriculture in the Union Territory.The initiative, completed in just 60 days, aims to create new livelihood opportunities for local communities while promoting agricultural diversification and rural entrepreneurship.Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of financial empowerment of farmers and youth through agricultural diversification, the initiative seeks to provide Ladakh’s growers access to flower markets across the country.The project is already generating local employment, with 15 women engaged in…

Leh, September 29: The UT level Red Run 2026 formed part of the wider Red Ribbon movement, whose emblem denotes solidarity with people living with HIV. Organized by the Dean Students Welfare, University of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh AIDS Control Society and the Department of Health and Medical Education, Government of J&K, the event sought to raise awareness among young people on HIV/AIDS prevention, healthy lifestyles, physical fitness, substance abuse prevention and stigma reduction. A race was chosen for the message of endurance and collective effort what is required of societies confronting the disease…

Nyoma, September 29: The four-day Inter-District Cricket Tournament organised under the Ladakh Sports Festival 2026 / Youth Engagement Month 2026 concluded today at the Cricket Ground, Nyoma, with Kargil District emerging as the champion after defeating Sham District in the final match.The final match was attended by Shri Nitish Rajora, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Zaheer Abbas Jafri, JKPS, SSP, Changthang, as the Guest of Honour.The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from teams representing different districts, with players displaying commendable sporting skills, determination and team spirit throughout the four-day event. Kargil District secured victory in the…

Leh, September 29, 2026: The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, through the Civil Aviation Department, has recommenced subsidized single-engine helicopter services across Ladakh with effect from September 29, 2026.The helicopter services are being operated through M/s Pawan Hans Limited under a Wet Lease Agreement, with the support of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.The recommencement of the services aims to improve air connectivity within the Union Territory, particularly to remote and far-flung areas, and facilitate the movement of residents and tourists, besides supporting emergency medical requirements.The flights are operated by experienced, instrument-rated and licensed crew, with…

_Three-day festival showcases Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage, traditional sports, local cuisine, handicrafts and emerging tourism experiences_Leh, September 27: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, yesterday inaugurated the Ladakh Festival 2026 at the Polo Ground, Leh, in the presence of a large number of spectators, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration of Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage, traditional lifestyle, art, cuisine, sports and diverse tourism experiences.The Ladakh Festival, one of the region’s significant cultural and tourism events, celebrates the living heritage, cultural identity and collective spirit of the people of Ladakh. Over the years, the Festival has evolved into an important…

27 September 2026As part of the second day of the Ladakh Festival 2026, sacred Chams (mask dances) were performed by venerable monks at the Dharma Centre, Choglamsar. The event also featured a display of sacred Thangka paintings by various monastic institutions. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Tsewang Paljor, Deputy Secretary, LAACL, Leh. Venerable Dorjey, President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association, joined the event as the Chief Guest.The programme was attended by Smt. Tashi Dolma, JKAS, Director, Tourism, UT Ladakh, and Sh. Faisal Iqbal Tantray, JKAS, Assistant Director, Tourism, Leh.A large gathering of locals and tourists from across the world…

Leh, September 27, 2026: As part of the ongoing Ladakh Festival 2026, a men’s horse polo exhibition match was held at the historic Shagaran Polo Ground in Chuchot, Leh, on the second day of the three-day festival. Indus Polo Club emerged victorious, defeating the Animal Husbandry Department team 5–2 in a spirited contest that drew enthusiastic spectators, including local residents, tourists and foreign visitors.The match commenced with Dr Samiullah of the Animal Husbandry Department throwing the ball to mark the start of play. Both teams displayed their horsemanship, sporting skills and competitive spirit throughout the match, which was played in…

Leh, September 27, 2026: As part of the ongoing Ladakh Festival 2026, a men’s horse polo exhibition match was held at the historic Shagaran Polo Ground in Chuchot, Leh, on the second day of the three-day festival. Indus Polo Club emerged victorious, defeating the Animal Husbandry Department team 5–2 in a spirited contest that drew enthusiastic spectators, including local residents, tourists and foreign visitors.The match commenced with Dr Samiullah of the Animal Husbandry Department throwing the ball to mark the start of play. Both teams displayed their horsemanship, sporting skills and competitive spirit throughout the match, which was played in…

Leh, September 27, 2026: As part of the Ladakh Festival 2026, a screening of the short documentary film “Nomads Under the Stars” was held today at Leh Polo Ground and Rang Thag.The documentary film was produced by Jungwa Foundation, an Indian non-profit organisation founded on 2018, dedicated to heritage conservation and sustainable livelihoods in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh. The film was directed by Stanzin Dorjai Gya.Addressing the gathering, Gyan Lay from karzok monastery highlighted the importance of documenting and preserving the independent way of life of the nomadic communities of Ladakh for future generations. He stated that the film…

Leh, September 26, 2026: As part of Ladakh Festival 2026, Commissioner/Secretary, Finance Department, UT Ladakh, Shri Tsewang Tharchin, today inaugurated the Handicrafts, Handlooms, Local Cuisine & Chang-Khang Exhibition at Municipal Committee Park, Leh Market.He was accompanied by Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues; Director Tourism, Smt. Tashi Dolma; Deputy Director Tourism, Shri Mohd Taqi; Deputy Secretary Culture, Shri Tsewang Paljor, besides other officers and officials.The Commissioner/Secretary, along with the other dignitaries, visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with exhibitors, reviewing a wide range of traditional handicrafts, handlooms, local cuisine and cultural products showcasing the rich heritage of…

Leh, September 26, 2026: As part of Ladakh Festival 2026, a three-day Traditional Archery Tournament commenced today at Shenam Gongma Ground, Leh, bringing together archers from all seven districts of Ladakh.The tournament was inaugurated by Smt. Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, along with Smt. Tashi Dolma, JKAS, Director, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh. Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture Department, UT Ladakh, and Shri Mohd Taqi, JKAS, Deputy Director, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, were also present.The dignitaries lit the traditional lamp and participated in an introductory archery session, marking the…

Nubra, September 26, 2026: The second quarterly meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) was held today under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Nubra, Shri Mukul Beniwal, IAS.The meeting discussed various issues related to the functioning of the RKS, with particular focus on the availability and sources of RKS funds, utilisation of funds and expenditure proposed for the upcoming quarter.Block Medical Officer (BMO), Nubra, delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation covering the agenda items and proposed expenditure. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the proposals and emphasised the need for prudent, transparent and effective utilisation of RKS funds to strengthen healthcare services and…

Leh, September 26, 2026: A one-day training session on the filling of the Village Directory (VD) and Town Directory (TD) Schedules under the District Census Handbook (DCHB) for Census 2027 was conducted at the DC Office, Leh.The training was imparted by Shri Jatinder Kumar, AD & Nodal Officer for UT Ladakh, and Shri Tashi Otsal, District Census Coordinator, UT Ladakh. The session was attended by District Census Charge Officers from various tehsils, field functionaries and Technical Assistants.During the training, detailed presentations were delivered on key concepts and requirements of the District Census Handbook. The Nodal Officer emphasised the importance of…

Leh, September 26, 2026: As part of the ongoing Ladakh Festival 2026, a grand Cultural Parade was organised from historic Karzu Zing, culminating at the historic Leh Polo Ground, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of Ladakh.The colourful procession featured traditional music, folk dances, traditional mask dance (Cham) and diverse cultural representations from different parts of Ladakh. Artists, cultural groups and local communities came together to showcase the region’s unique cultural identity through vibrant performances, traditional costumes and music.Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UT Ladakh, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, also participated in the parade, joining artists and community…

Leh, September 26, 2026: As part of the ongoing Ladakh Festival 2026, an astronomy experience and stargazing session was organised at Shanti Stupa, Leh, offering tourists, astronomy enthusiasts and visitors an opportunity to explore the night sky under the guidance of expert astronomers.The session featured guided stargazing and interactive insights into celestial objects, constellations and other astronomical phenomena. Participants observed the spectacular night sky while learning about the unique astronomical significance of Ladakh’s clear, high-altitude and pollution-free skies.The event attracted tourists and stargazing enthusiasts, providing them with an engaging and memorable experience of observing and understanding the wonders of the…

Leh/Jammu, Sept 25 : Ladakh Traffic Police has adopted a new white uniform, replacing its earlier sky-blue attire, following approval from Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, officials said.The change has been introduced to improve the visibility of traffic personnel and give the force a smart, neat and uniform appearance while performing duties on roads across the Union territory, officials said.The earlier sky-blue attire closely resembled the uniform of several local schools, at times making traffic personnel less distinguishable from the crowd, they said.The white uniform is expected to provide the traffic police a more distinctive visual identity and enhance their…

Leh/Jammu, Sept 25: Ladakh Festival 2026, to begin Saturday, will showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage alongside traditional and contemporary art forms from across the country, with preparations for the three-day event completed, officials said on its eve.Briefing mediapersons, Secretary Tourism and Culture, Ladakh, Sanjit Rodrigues said the festival has been designed to provide a wider national platform to Ladakh’s cultural traditions while bringing together artists and cultural troupes from different parts of India.”Our annual Ladakh festival begins tomorrow. The festival will be inaugurated at 7:00 pm by the Lt Governor. This time, we have expanded the cultural component of…

LADAKH’S BIG EDUCATION LEAP!Leh, September 25: A major step towards expanding quality higher education in Ladakh has been announced with the UT Administration signing an MoU with IIM Jammu to establish a Satellite Campus in Leh.Highlighting the development, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, described it as a significant milestone that will bring world-class management education closer to the youth of Ladakh.The response from students has already been strong, with more than 600 registrations received for 60 BBA seats in the first phase.According to the LG, the entire process of setting up the campus has been completed in just…

Director School Education Reviews CBSE Expert-Led Classes at DIET LehLeh, September 25: Director School Education Tsering Paldan (JKAS) inspected the CBSE expert-led classes being conducted at the DIET Leh Centre, reviewing the academic support being provided to students ahead of the Board examinations.The Director interacted with students attending classes in Economics, Physics and Chemistry and sought their feedback on the sessions. He urged students to make full use of the specialised guidance being provided by CBSE subject experts.During the interaction, Paldan stressed the importance of conceptual clarity, active classroom participation, regular revision and consistent practice for effective Board examination preparation.He…