Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh, June 25: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today called for the organization of a globally recognized Black-necked Crane Festival that remains firmly rooted in the participation and aspirations of local communities. Chairing a review meeting on the proposed Black-necked Crane Festival 2026, he emphasized that the initiative should serve as a model for conservation-linked livelihoods, sustainable tourism, and community-led environmental stewardship across the Changthang region.The proposed festival, planned for the second half of August 2026, aims to celebrate the iconic Black-necked Crane while highlighting the ecological, cultural, and economic significance of Ladakh’s high-altitude wetlands.…

Leh, June 26: Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri V.K. Saxena, held an engaging and productive interaction with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, during the Committee’s visit to Ladakh.During the interaction, the Committee sought detailed information regarding the key challenges confronting the Union Territory and the measures being undertaken to address them. The Lieutenant Governor briefed the members on Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and the pressing environmental concerns arising from climate change, including water scarcity and ecological vulnerability.Shri Saxena highlighted several innovative initiatives launched by the administration to address these challenges.…

Kargil, June 24: A Parliamentary Committee of the Ministry of External Affairs, headed by Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, arrived in Kargil on Wednesday as part of a study tour and paid homage to the brave soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass.The delegation, comprising several Members of Parliament and senior officials, visited the iconic memorial and laid floral tributes in honour of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. Army officials briefed the visiting members on key strategic locations and the historic significance of various battle sites associated with the conflict.The committee…

Khaltsi, June 19: Deputy Commissioner Sham Kunzes Angmo conducted a surprise inspection of educational and healthcare institutions in Timisgam and Nurla villages to assess infrastructure, service delivery, and ongoing development works.Accompanied by officials from the Health, Education, and Public Works Departments, the Deputy Commissioner visited Government Higher Secondary School, Timisgam, where she reviewed the construction progress of boys’ and girls’ hostels as well as the Examination Hall-cum-Multipurpose Hall. She interacted with students and staff, stressing the need to boost enrolment and strengthen mentorship initiatives.The DC also inspected the Primary Health Centre, Timisgam, the public library, and ongoing monastery/palace compound wall…

Leh, June 19: The District-Level Senior Science Exhibition 2026 concluded successfully at DIET Leh, showcasing innovative projects by students from government and private schools across the district under the theme “STEM for Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”Organized under the Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani (NCERT), the exhibition provided a platform for young innovators to present scientific solutions in areas such as sustainable agriculture, green energy, emerging technologies, waste management, health and hygiene, and water conservation.Addressing the valedictory function, Bhanu Prabha, Secretary, School Education Department, UT Ladakh, lauded the students for their creativity, scientific temperament, and innovative thinking. She encouraged participants to continue…

Leh, June 19: Preparations for the visit of 14th Dalai Lama to Ladakh on June 28 gathered momentum as a high-level coordination meeting was held at the DC Office Leh under the chairmanship of ACR Leh, Delex Namgyal JKAS.The meeting reviewed arrangements related to security, traffic management, route planning, crowd control, medical preparedness, and logistical support to ensure the visit is conducted smoothly and with dignity.Representatives from the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA), Health Department, Police, Tibetan Refugee Office, and other line departments participated in the meeting and discussed coordinated preparations for the event.Special focus was laid…

Leh, June 19: Ahead of the upcoming NEET Re-Examination, Deputy Commissioner Leh Shri Romil Singh Donk, IAS, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess and finalize arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination across the district.During the meeting, officials deliberated on key logistical and administrative measures aimed at ensuring a hassle-free experience for candidates appearing in the re-examination.Authorities informed that two examination centres have been designated in Leh district — Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Leh and Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Leh.To assist students in reaching their centres on time, the District Administration has arranged special transportation services, with buses operating…

Drass, Ladakh: In a significant outreach initiative blending science, education, and community engagement, Community Radio Station Drass 90.4 FM hosted an interactive programme with researchers from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, currently undertaking field investigations in the Drass region under the prestigious ISRO–NASA NISAR Mission.The discussion shed light on the growing importance of the Himalayas in global climate research and highlighted emerging opportunities for students and local communities to participate in scientific studies and higher education.Speaking during the programme, Dr. Remya S. N., Assistant Professor at the School of Climate Change and Sustainability, Azim Premji University, and Principal Investigator of the…

Kargil, June 17: District Police Kargil on Wednesday concluded the sports events organized under the Civic Action Programme (CAP) 2026 with the final of the Taekwondo Championship and a grand closing ceremony held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre, Kargil.The closing ceremony was attended by Commander 121 Brigade Shri Anil Joshi as the Chief Guest and Colonel Subodh Samudre, Commanding Officer, Maratha Light Infantry, as the Guest of Honour. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil Shri Nitin Yadav, IPS, DySP Headquarters Shri Anayat-Ullah, police officers, coaches and sports enthusiasts were also present.The sports festival, which began on June…

Leh, June 17: In a major initiative to promote adventure tourism and responsible travel, Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department, UT Ladakh, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues (IAS) on Wednesday flagged off the Changthang Expedition 2026 from the iconic Shanti Stupa in Leh.Organized in collaboration with Care My Tours, New Delhi, the expedition brings together a distinguished group of experienced riders on premium motorcycles, including BMW, Ducati, KTM and Honda, for a high-altitude journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Changthang region.Led by Mr. Preet Sharma, Director, Care My Tours, the expedition aims to showcase Ladakh’s pristine environment, rich cultural heritage and unique geography…

Leh, June 17: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Pashmina artisans, weavers, entrepreneurs, cooperative members and representatives of artisan organizations from Leh, Kargil, Zanskar and other Pashmina-producing regions, focusing on the future growth and sustainability of Ladakh’s prized Pashmina sector.The meeting brought together stakeholders from across the value chain, including artisan groups, cooperative societies, self-help groups and entrepreneur-led ventures, who shared their experiences, production capacities, challenges and suggestions for strengthening the industry.During the interaction, artisans highlighted several issues affecting production and productivity, including the labour-intensive warping process, limited…

Leh, June 17: Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the proposed beautification and development works planned under the Stok Model Village Project, aimed at enhancing the village’s infrastructure, aesthetics and tourism appeal.During the meeting, officials discussed a range of developmental initiatives proposed for Stok village, focusing on improving public infrastructure and creating a better experience for both residents and visitors.Among the key projects reviewed were the remodelling and upgradation of the existing water storage tank, development of a vehicle pass and tiling works, construction of a welcome gate at the village entrance,…

Nubra, June 17: Deputy Commissioner Nubra, Shri Mukul Beniwal, IAS, on Wednesday reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects at Government Degree College (GDC) Nubra, directing executing agencies to accelerate construction works and ensure timely completion ahead of the upcoming academic session.During an inspection visit to the college campus, the Deputy Commissioner assessed the status of ongoing works, including the construction of new academic blocks, the college auditorium and hostel facilities. He took stock of the pace of execution and reviewed the readiness of supporting infrastructure required for the functioning of the new facilities.Emphasizing the importance of completing the projects…

Khaltse, June 17: As part of ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse and promote community awareness, a Drug Abuse Awareness Programme was organized at Hemisshukpachan Panchayat in Khaltse subdivision on Wednesday, bringing together local residents, Panchayat representatives and officials from various departments.The programme was attended by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Liker, Shri Gurmeet Namgial, SHO Khaltse Shri Tsewang Nurboo, Dr. Padma, Psychiatrist, members of the District Drug De-addiction Awareness Team, Ms. Purnima from the Forensic Team, and other dignitaries.Addressing the gathering, speakers highlighted the growing threat posed by drug abuse and its adverse impact on individuals, families and society. They stressed…

Nubra, June 17: Deputy Commissioner Nubra, Shri Mukul Beniwal, IAS, on Wednesday conducted a surprise inspection of Government Higher Secondary School Diskit to assess academic activities, attendance records and the overall teaching-learning environment in the institution.During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the attendance registers of both staff and students and sought details regarding cases of frequent absenteeism. He also examined attendance patterns to identify any irregularities and ensure accountability within the institution.Interacting with students of Classes 10th, 11th and 12th, the DC enquired about the progress of the syllabus and evaluated their understanding of various subjects. He engaged students…

Leh, June 17: In a major boost to skill development and livelihood generation in Ladakh, the foundation stone for the new Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) building was laid at Saboo Doh, Leh, marking the beginning of a long-awaited project aimed at empowering rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.The foundation stone was laid by Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Leh, Shri A.G. Zargar, in the presence of Director RSETI Shri Prem Bodh, State Director Shri Rakesh Gupta, AGM UTLBC Ms. Wangmo, and Lead District Manager (LDM), SBI, Shri Angchoo.Officials from the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM), including Mr. Wasim Akram of…

Leh, June 17: Reinforcing its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management, the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), Leh, on Wednesday organized a series of activities across multiple watershed villages to mark the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.Under the leadership of the Project Officer, PMKSY-WDC 2.0, the programme witnessed the Bhumipujan (foundation laying) of newly sanctioned watershed development works, Lokarpan (inauguration) of completed assets, and large-scale plantation drives across various micro-watersheds in Leh district.The events saw enthusiastic participation from Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, Watershed Committees, Self Help Groups, village volunteers, beneficiaries and local residents, reflecting strong community…

Leh, June 18: In a significant step towards strengthening ecological restoration and expanding green cover in Ladakh’s fragile cold desert ecosystem, the Leh Forest Division on Thursday conducted a comprehensive Theory-Cum-Field Training Programme on Forestry Plantation Techniques for its frontline field staff.The training programme was conducted by Shri Amarjeet Kujur, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Leh Forest Division, and chaired by Shri Rajesh S., IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Addl PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh.Addressing the inaugural session, Rajesh S. emphasized the need for skill enhancement in cold desert plantation techniques to achieve better outcomes…

KARGIL, JUNE 16: District Police Kargil on Tuesday organised the final phase of a multi-sport tournament under the Civic Action Programme (CAP) 2026, aiming to promote sports culture among youth and steer them away from drug abuse and other social evils.The sporting event, held at Biamathang Playfield, featured competitions in football, volleyball, badminton and archery, drawing enthusiastic participation from young athletes across the district.One of the major highlights of the championship was the volleyball tournament, which witnessed participation from 36 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams, reflecting the growing popularity of sports among the youth of Kargil.In the women’s volleyball…

KARGIL, JUNE 16: Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, on Tuesday chaired a review meeting to assess preparations for the observance of International Yoga Day 2026, scheduled to be held at Khree Sultan Cho Sports Stadium, Bemathang, on June 21.The meeting focused on participant mobilisation, venue management, publicity, logistics and inter-departmental coordination to ensure the successful conduct of the mega event.Officials informed the meeting that around 900 yoga mats have already been arranged for participants. However, the Deputy Commissioner suggested increasing the participation target to nearly 1,000 people and directed all departments to intensify efforts to ensure wider…