Author: The Dispatch Staff

Kargil, May 12: Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Tuesday announced that two-way traffic movement between Minamarg and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Kargil highway will resume from May 14, 2026, bringing major relief to commuters and transporters.According to officials, the decision was finalized after detailed discussions between the CEC and the Divisional Commissioner, UT Ladakh, regarding traffic modalities on the crucial Srinagar-Kargil route.During the deliberations, the Divisional Commissioner, UT Ladakh coordinated with the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to streamline traffic management and ensure smooth vehicular movement on the highway stretch.The CEC also held discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Drass to ensure effective coordination and…

Kargil, May 12: A major ecological concern has emerged in Ladakh after Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil reported the spread of an invasive Buff-tip moth species threatening the fragile ecosystem of the region.The study, conducted between June 2021 and August 2023 under the supervision of Dr. Mohd Hussain, Assistant Professor, Zoology, GDC Zanskar, documented the rapid spread and destructive impact of the pest in the Himalayan region, particularly across the Suru Valley.According to the findings, the invasive moth causes complete defoliation of its host plant within a short span of time, posing a serious threat to biodiversity and vegetation sustainability in…

Kargil, May 12: Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Tuesday welcomed the newly appointed Director of Social and Tribal Welfare, Zahida Banoo, at the Council Secretariat of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil.During the interaction, the CEC extended his best wishes to Zahida Banoo for her new assignment and expressed confidence that her tenure would further strengthen the implementation of welfare and developmental initiatives, particularly for marginalized and tribal communities across the district.Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba Musavi was also present during the meeting.The discussion focused on various welfare-related issues, with special emphasis on coordinated efforts for ensuring effective implementation and delivery…

Drass, May 12: Imteeaz Kacho on Tuesday conducted a series of inspections across Drass to review developmental works, sports infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and preparations for the upcoming visit of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee.The Deputy Commissioner first visited the Indoor Stadium of the Youth Services & Sports Department at Ranbirpur, where he was received by the Zonal Physical Education Officer (ZPEO) Drass and staff members.During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the available infrastructure and assessed facilities being provided to sportspersons, students, and sports enthusiasts. He directed the concerned departments to expedite pending works and instructed the ZPEO to organise sports…

Zanskar, May 12: The sacred Holy Relics darshan at Karsha Monastery continued to witness an overwhelming response on the second consecutive day, with thousands of devotees gathering to pay obeisance and seek blessings.According to the official abstract issued for May 12, a total of 5,322 devotees visited the holy site during the day. The devotees included 2,308 males and 2,554 females, reflecting the deep spiritual devotion associated with the sacred relics.The records further revealed that among today’s visitors were 403 senior citizens, 57 non-local devotees, and 3 foreign nationals who also participated in the darshan.Earlier, on the opening day, 6,908…

Leh, May 12: Ashish Kundra on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress and implementation status of the Vibrant Village Programme across border areas of Ladakh.During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed ongoing developmental works aimed at improving infrastructure, connectivity, livelihood opportunities, and essential public services in identified border villages under the flagship programme.Detailed discussions were held regarding the status of various projects and inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective and timely implementation of the scheme. Special focus was laid on road connectivity, drinking water supply, power infrastructure, tourism promotion, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity in remote villages.The…

“ Khaltse, May 11: In a major initiative to strengthen grassroots governance and public engagement, the newly established Sham District witnessed a joint public outreach programme organised by the Police and Civil Administration on Monday.The programme brought together representatives from various organisations, including LBA, political parties, Women Alliance groups, LAS, religious bodies, and village Lambardars, for direct interaction with district officials on issues concerning law and order, civic amenities, and developmental needs.Addressing the gathering, Kunzes Angmo assured the public that extensive tours across all villages of the district would be undertaken to ensure developmental initiatives reach every corner of the…

Nubra, May 12: Bhupesh Choudhary on Tuesday visited the proposed District Industrial Area in Nubra to review the present status of the site and assess its developmental potential for future industrial growth in the region.The Administrative Secretary was accompanied by Mukul Beniwal and other senior district officials during the inspection.During the visit, the officials reviewed the condition of internal roads and assessed the requirement of essential infrastructure and utilities, including power supply, bore well facilities, and sewage systems. Detailed discussions were also held regarding future infrastructure planning and the overall scope for industrial development in the area.The Administrative Secretary sought…

NUBRA: Beniwal on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting with officials of State Bank of India and Jammu and Kashmir Bank to review banking services and discuss measures for strengthening financial inclusion across Nubra district.During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the crucial role of banks as key stakeholders in the newly created district and stressed the need for strengthening banking infrastructure, efficient account management services, and enhanced public outreach mechanisms.Key discussions focused on the functioning of Ultra Small Bank (USB) branches and Business Correspondents operating in different parts of the district. Special emphasis was laid on expanding banking facilities in…

Leh, May 11: Shurbir Singh on Monday evening conducted a major on-ground inspection of Leh Old Town to address long-pending civic problems, directing departments to prepare comprehensive plans for sewage management, improved walkways, street lighting, and organized electricity infrastructure.Accompanied by Administrative Secretary PWD Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk and senior officers from PWD, PDD, and Municipal Committee Leh, the Divisional Commissioner inspected several congested areas of the historic Old Town.During the visit, officials reviewed key civic concerns including drainage and sewage issues, tangled electricity wiring, dark spots, poor waste management, and damaged footpaths.Taking serious note of the…

Leh, May 12: District Institute of Education and Training Leh today hosted students and teachers of Council Model Government Middle School Gangles as part of an educational exposure visit aimed at promoting experiential and activity-based learning among students.During the visit, students explored various academic sections of DIET Leh, including the Balvatika Model Room, Bhoti Lab, and Mathematics Lab, where they were introduced to innovative teaching-learning materials and interactive educational activities designed to enhance practical understanding and creativity.Faculty members of DIET Leh guided the students through different learning spaces and highlighted the importance of modern pedagogical practices, child-centred teaching methods, and…

Leh, May 12: In a major step towards promoting activity-based education and scientific learning among students, the STEM Lab Bus of District Institute of Education and Training Leh today reached Government Kuzey School, offering students an engaging hands-on science experience.The STEM Lab Bus was flagged off by Principal DIET Leh, Sh. Mirza Mehdi, in the presence of Head of Department Ms. Tsering Yangdol. The initiative aimed to bring practical science education directly to school students and encourage curiosity-driven learning.The programme was led by Ms. Tsering Yangdol and supported by the DIET Leh Science team comprising Ms. Kunzes Dolma, Ms. Chetna…

*Leh, May 12, 2026*: The Mega Free Medical Camp, organised as part of the ongoing Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata Buddha in Ladakh, continued successfully on its eleventh day at the Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital Devachan Campus, Leh, witnessing continued participation from the public. The camp is being organised by the UT Administration in collaboration with the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) and SNM Hospital, and will continue till May 14, 2026. The initiative continues to serve as an important healthcare outreach effort during the sacred exposition, ensuring accessible and quality medical services for people from…

A Peace Walk and Bum-sKhor procession was organised today from the Dharma Centre by the Ladakh Gonpa Association and Ladakh Buddhist Association in connection with the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. The procession witnessed the participation of nearly 1,000 Venerable monks and nuns representing monasteries from across the Ladakh region. A large number of local residents, devotees and visitors also joined the spiritual gathering, reflecting a collective message of peace, compassion and harmony. The procession was ceremonially welcomed with traditional daman and surna performances, along with the Phog-sKalchor, a traditional welcome attire symbolising respect and auspiciousness.…

Kargil, May 11: A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party from Kargil, led by Tashi Khachu, called on Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, and raised several developmental and public welfare issues concerning Kargil district. The delegation comprised former CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, former Chairman JKLC and Vice President BJP Ladakh Haji Anayat Ali, President BJP Kargil unit Assadullah Munshi and Mohammad Askari. During the meeting, the delegation demanded the upgradation of several government schools in Kargil district, particularly MS Marpothang, Ranthag Namsuru, Wakha Goshan and many other institutions. The leaders stated that the issue had also…

_Reiterates vision to make Ladakh a global Pashmina hub__L-G stresses value addition, quality enhancement and livelihood generation for Changthang pastoral communities_*Leh, May 11:* The Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inspected the Pashmina Dehairing Plant located at the Industrial Area, Leh, and reviewed the functioning of the facility along with various stages involved in the processing of raw pashmina fibre sourced from Changthang.During the inspection, officials from the Sheep Husbandry Department, Cooperatives Department, Industries & Commerce Department and All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the functioning of the plant and…

The Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata Buddha reaches the serene land of Zanskar, blessing the region with peace, compassion and spiritual grace. A truly historic and divine moment as devotees gather in reverence to seek blessings and celebrate the timeless message of harmony and enlightenment.

Launched the plantation of 2100 cherry saplings under the inspiring guidance of His Holiness Drikung Skyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, today at Phyang in Leh.This mass plantation drive, organised by Drikung Dharma Foundation with support of Sankalp Taru Foundation, is a significant step towards enhancing Ladakh’s green cover, combating environmental degradation, and promoting sustainable development.   On this occasion, also announced a new public participation program, encouraging every family in Ladakh to plant 10 saplings and ensure their survival. Families with the highest survival rates will be recognised and awarded. Reaffirmed our shared goal of raising Ladakh’s green cover to at least 5% in…

Leh, May 9: A major conference on the theme “Past, Present and Future of Buddhism in Ladakh” was held at the Dharma Centre Leh under the chairmanship of Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche as part of the ongoing Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Gautama Buddha in Ladakh.The conference was organised by the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ladakh Gonpa Association and witnessed participation of monks, scholars, students, officials and devotees from across the region.The programme began with ceremonial lamp lighting by Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh Ashish Kundra along with His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey…

Leh, May 9: Under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority and as per the directions of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority, the District Legal Services Authority Leh on Saturday organised the Second National Lok Adalat at the District Court Complex Leh and Munsif Courts at Nobra and Khaltsi.The National Lok Adalat was inaugurated by Spalzes Angmo, who is also the Member Secretary of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority.A total of six benches were constituted for the Lok Adalat to hear and settle different categories of disputes including bank recovery matters, matrimonial disputes, criminal compoundable cases, civil disputes and…