Leh: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, IAS, undertook his first official visit on Friday to review key developmental initiatives and strengthen public outreach across Likir, Alchi, and Leh, reaffirming the administration’s focus on participatory governance, heritage conservation, and sustainable development.
The visit began at Likir Sub-Division, where villagers accorded a warm welcome to the Chief Secretary. During a Public Darbar, the Nambardar highlighted Likir’s distinct identity as a village known for its traditional pottery art and crafts. Residents raised issues including the extension of abadi land in view of population growth, making the SDM office a fully functional sub-division, strengthening infrastructure and medical facilities at the village hospital, and developing a memorial park, gym, and library in memory of Ashok Chakra awardee Naib Subedar Tsetan Mutup for the benefit of students and youth. Demands for establishing a pottery centre for young artists and a multi-purpose stadium were also placed before the Chief Secretary.
Addressing the gathering, Ashish Kundra assured that Likir would be declared a pottery craft village and stated that full support would be extended, within administrative capacity, to address genuine public demands. He also assured support for women trained in tailoring by facilitating access to tailoring machines and said hospital requirements would be reviewed in accordance with population needs. Sharing his personal experience, Kundra remarked that despite visiting several countries, he had not witnessed natural beauty and serenity comparable to Ladakh, describing his first visit to the region as memorable and assuring his best efforts to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Following the interaction, the Chief Secretary inspected exhibitions showcasing traditional pottery, handicrafts, tailoring, wood carving, wool weaving, crochet work, and other indigenous arts, appreciating the craftsmanship and cultural heritage preserved by the villagers.
Later, Ashish Kundra visited the ancient Alchi Monastery, where he inspected centuries-old paintings and heritage assets. He enquired about conservation measures, protection planning, and the authenticity of the artworks, and interacted with monks on efforts to preserve the monastery’s religious and cultural legacy.
The Chief Secretary also visited the Nimoo–Bazgo Hydroelectric Power Project near Alchi, inspecting the power station’s machinery, monitoring systems, and control room. Officials of NHPC briefed him through a detailed presentation and video on sustainable power development, energy security, and the use of modern technology suited to Ladakh’s fragile ecology, underlining the importance of continued administrative support.
During the course of the tour, Ashish Kundra paid obeisance at Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib at Phyang, which is constructed, managed, and maintained by the Indian Army.
In the later part of the day, the Chief Secretary held a Public Darbar at Ibex Colony in Leh, where residents raised concerns regarding land allotment for the newly established colony, lack of basic amenities, absence of stamp authority for the village head, and heating issues in the committee hall. While residents appreciated the government’s efforts under the Jal Jeevan Mission for ensuring water supply, similar concerns related to land and infrastructure were also raised by representatives from Skalzangling.
Responding to the issues, Ashish Kundra assured that every possible effort would be made to address public grievances, emphasizing that well-planned and well-maintained urban areas are essential as they represent the face of the city for both residents and visitors.
Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, along with senior officers from the district administration and concerned departments, accompanied the Chief Secretary during the visit to ensure timely follow-up and resolution of the issues raised.
