Author: The Dispatch Staff

Orders massive crackdown on drug suppliers, integrated rehabilitation support and intensified anti-drug awareness campaign Leh, May 27: In the wake of the alarming rise in cases of drug abuse in Ladakh and the growing concerns around it, Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, today chaired a comprehensive meeting with senior government officials, members of civil society organisations, reli gious organisations and NGOs to review the situation and the functioning of Drug Deaddiction Centres (DDACs) in Ladakh. In recent months, there has been an alarming rise in drug abuse cases in Ladakh, particularly among youth, minors and even girls. A large…

A delegation comprising 39 Veer Naris, 06 Ex-Servicemen and 53 children visited Kargil War Memorial on 26 May 2026 under the aegis of Dras Warriors Brigade in coordination with Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha. The visit was organised to honour the supreme sacrifice of the brave soldiers and to acquaint the younger generation with the rich military heritage and traditions of the Armed Forces. The delegation paid homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial and witnessed various exhibits highlighting the courage, valour and sacrifices of the Indian Army during Kargil War. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation by Veer Naris, veterans and…

Leh, May 25, 2026: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired an interactive session with the Indian Forest Service (IFS) probationers of the 2025–2027 batch from the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) during their study visit to Ladakh. The interaction was held as part of the probationers’ field exposure programme in the Union Territory. The session began with an introduction of the probationers, who shared their educational backgrounds, allocated cadres, and professional experiences. Faculty members accompanying the probationers were also present during the interaction. Shri S. Rajesh, IFS, Additional PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh,…

The Secretary, PWD conducted a visit to the Airport Road to inspect the ongoing projects and review the already sanctioned modifications aimed at enhancing its aesthetic appeal and improving the overall environment. During the visit, the Secretary emphasized the need for timely execution of the sanctioned works and directed the concerned agencies to undertake necessary interventions to improve the visual appearance and overall surroundings of the road corridor. The Secretary was accompanied by the Chief Engineer, PWD; Executive Engineer, Division Leh; Officer Commanding (OC), BEACON BRO; along with other officers and officials who were present during the inspection.

Leh, May 23: Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary, Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD), conducted an inspection of the ongoing Chilling–Kaya–Markha–Hankar Road project in Markha Valley, being executed under the State Development Plan (SDP). The road project, spanning a total length of 39.85 kilometres, is aimed at strengthening connectivity and improving accessibility in the remote region. During the inspection, the Secretary was informed that the project has been divided into two components. The first component comprises the upgradation of an existing 23-kilometre road stretch, while the remaining portion involves the construction of a new road alignment. Reviewing the progress on site, officials…

Leh, May 21: Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess compliance with Supreme Court directions on implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 across Ladakh, stressing strict monitoring and stronger waste management systems ahead of the peak tourist season. During the meeting, officials informed that major waste dumping sites are currently operational in Leh and Kargil, while Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and door-to-door waste collection systems are being strengthened in other districts. Reviewing preparedness in environmentally sensitive and tourist-heavy areas, the Chief Secretary directed district administrations to ensure strict compliance by hotels, commercial…

Zanskar, May 21: Government Degree College Zanskar on Thursday organized an on-the-spot essay competition for students of Classes 9th to 12th from various schools across the region, witnessing enthusiastic participation and showcasing the literary talent of young students. Held under the supervision of Principal Amjad Ali Abassi and coordinated by Dr. Varun Dixit, the programme aimed at encouraging creative thinking, analytical writing and academic interaction among students. Apart from the competition, participating students were also introduced to the college’s laboratory facilities through live demonstrations conducted by Dr. Sabir Hussain and Dr. Ihsan Ullah Lone, who explained the use and importance…

Nubra, May 20, 2026: The three day Training Programme for Enumerators and Supervisors of Tehsil Diskit concluded successfully today under the supervision of Census Charge Officer, Jigmet Raftan JKAS, at the DC Conference Hall, Diskit Nubra. The training programme was organised as part of the preparatory phase for Census 2027. During the three day programme, Master Trainer Shabbir Ahmed imparted comprehensive training to the participants on various aspects of the census process, including enumeration methodology, use of digital tools for data collection, house listing operations, and timely execution of census related works. The programme concluded with the distribution of kits…

Zanskar, May 20: Shri Tushar Anand, Mission Director, NHM Ladakh, conducted an inspection visit to Community Health Centre (CHC) Zanskar during his ongoing three day tour of Zanskar and Kargil districts. Accompanied by the BMO Zanskar, the Mission Director interacted with doctors, paramedical staff, and healthcare workers, who raised various issues including loyalty bonus, enhancement of wages, and long-pending transfers. Shri Tushar Anand assured the staff that their genuine demands would be taken up with the Ministry of Health and other concerned authorities for consideration. He also interacted with patients to obtain feedback regarding healthcare services and stressed the importance…

. Leh, May 18 : Mission Director, National Health Mission Ladakh, Sh. Tushar Anand (IAS), conducted an inspection visit to PHC Thiksay and PHC Chuchot to review the healthcare facilities and services being provided to the public. During the visit, the Mission Director inspected various sections of the health centres including the pharmacy, healthcare service delivery mechanisms, and the functioning and roles of the staff. He interacted with the healthcare personnel and reviewed the overall arrangements aimed at ensuring effective and efficient healthcare services for the people. The Mission Director directed the health staff to maintain quality healthcare standards and…

Leh, May 16: A mega cleanliness drive was carried out across Sub-Division Kharu in Leh district on Friday under the directions of Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, with officials, security forces, organisations and local volunteers joining hands to promote cleanliness and environmental awareness.The drive, led by Mohd Shabbir, covered areas from Shende Morh near Stakna up to Upshi, including market areas and public spaces.Officials said the initiative was aimed at strengthening public awareness regarding sanitation, encouraging community participation and maintaining a clean and healthy environment in the region.The campaign witnessed participation from officials of various departments under Sub-Division Kharu,…

Nubra, May 16: The Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) of the Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd., Diskit, was held successfully at Nubra T-Morh on Friday following the election notification issued by the Additional Registrar Cooperative, UT Ladakh.The meeting was conducted under the chairmanship of Dorjai Dadul and attended by members of the society along with officials from the Cooperative Department.Sharma Tashi presided over the proceedings on behalf of the department and briefed members about the election process, the role and benefits of cooperative marketing societies, and the overall financial position and functioning of the society.During the meeting, Dorjai Dadul highlighted the…

Nubra, May 16: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan on Friday visited a PMFME-supported food processing unit at Tirith village in Nubra, highlighting the Centre’s focus on strengthening entrepreneurship and value addition in Ladakh’s remote regions.The minister visited the unit of Jigmat Gyalson, proprietor of M/s Gyalson Dairy and Food Processing Unit, which has been supported under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme.Officials said the enterprise is engaged in processing local produce and promoting value-added products in the Nubra region.During the visit, Paswan reviewed the functioning of the unit and held discussions with the…

Kharu, May 16: The three-day training programme for enumerators and supervisors of Tehsil Kharu concluded successfully on Friday at the SDM Conference Hall, marking another key step in preparations for Census 2027 in Ladakh.The programme was conducted under the overall supervision of Mohd Shabir as part of the preparatory phase aimed at strengthening grassroots-level readiness for the upcoming national census exercise.During the training sessions, participants were given detailed orientation on enumeration methodology, use of digital tools for data collection, house-listing procedures and the newly introduced self-enumeration module that will form part of Census 2027 operations.Stanzin Namgyal along with field trainers…

Leh, May 16: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh on Friday commenced the second batch of a three-day training programme for enumerators and supervisors in connection with the upcoming Census 2027 at the DC Conference Hall, Leh.The programme is being organised by the Office of the Census Charge Officer/Tehsildar Leh under the supervision of Attaullah Khan to familiarise field staff with the framework and operational procedures of Census 2027.Field trainers Rahula and Zahir Ahmed conducted detailed sessions and presentations covering various aspects of the nationwide census exercise.During the training, officials informed participants that Census 2027 will be conducted in two…

Leh, May 15: In a major push towards clean energy and sustainable development, the Union Territory of Ladakh on Thursday launched the Solar Rooftop City Accelerator Program (CAP) in Leh to speed up rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.The programme was launched at the NIELIT Conference Room in Leh in the presence of officials from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD), vendors and other stakeholders. The initiative is being coordinated by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation along with Ernst & Young LLP.The City Accelerator Program aims to support rooftop…

Leh, May 16: In a major boost to adventure tourism in Ladakh, the Union Territory Administration on Friday signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Royal Enfield and the Ladakh Bike Co-operative to organise the annual “Ladakh Bike Week” as a flagship tourism event for the next three years.The initiative comes under the vision and sustained push of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to position Ladakh as a premier global destination for biking and adventure tourism.Under the agreement, the week-long “Ladakh Bike Week” will be held every year from September 1 to September 7. The event is expected to…

Kargil, May 15: Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department, UT Ladakh, Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary today reviewed the progress of infrastructure projects being executed under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) across Kargil district at Conference Hall Baroo, Kargil. The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer, PWD Ladakh, Superintending Engineer PMGSY Ladakh, Superintending Engineer PWD Kargil, Executive Engineers of R&B Division Kargil, Sankoo and Zanskar, besides Assistant Executive Engineers and Assistant Engineers. During the meeting, the Secretary reviewed the physical and financial progress of ongoing CRIF road and bridge projects…

Leh: A widely respected veteran Ladakhi leader and key figure in the region’s identity and empowerment movement since late 1980s, Thupstan Chhewang has cast aspersions on the legitimacy and representative character of the current leadership as he calls for restrain and recalibration before resuming dialogue with New Delhi. After weeks of uncertainty over his current thought process and future role, Chhewang said that he no longer sees the Apex Body Leh (ABL) functioning in the spirit in which it was originally conceived. Reminding the Ladakhi people at a press conference here today that the Apex Body was formed after…

, May 12: In view of the large gathering during the Sacred Holy Relics event at Karsha Monastery, the Health Department through Community Health Center Zanskar organized a special health camp to provide medical assistance and emergency care to devotees and visitors.According to officials, from Monday till 1:00 PM on Tuesday, nearly 150 patients were examined at the camp. Most of the visitors were treated for common health issues including gastric problems, headaches, and normal fever.Medical teams provided on-the-spot health check-ups, basic treatment, medicines, and necessary medical advice to ensure the well-being of devotees attending the sacred religious event.Sharing details…