Kargil, February 24, 2026: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, undertook a comprehensive tour of Kargil district, holding multiple public interactions and review meetings while emphasizing grassroots governance, infrastructure development, education and sustainable tourism.
During his visit to Rangdum, members of the Rangdum Gonpa Cultural and Welfare Society submitted a memorandum seeking key infrastructural and civic upgrades, including link roads, an ice-skating ground, a compound wall for the local school, upgradation of the Medical Sub-Centre, 108 ambulance service, enhanced teaching staff and a power transmission line to address electricity shortages.
At a Public Darbar held in Sankoo Sub-Division, Executive Councillor Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, Syed Aga Mujtaba, pressed for district status to Sankoo, establishment of a Degree College, a Fire Service Station and relocation of the Police Station to the sub-divisional headquarters. Councillors from Suru Valley extended unanimous support to these demands.
Local representatives also raised issues concerning National Highway-301 works, healthcare staff shortages, school transport, land compensation, communication networks, irrigation canals and tourism infrastructure. Social and religious bodies, including Anjuman-e-Sahib Zaman, advocated for declaring Sankoo a tourist destination and strengthening disaster relief support systems.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Kundra assured that all genuine demands would be examined in coordination with concerned departments. He stressed the importance of evidence-based planning and directed the Deputy Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive field survey to facilitate structured development.
Highlighting education as the foundation of societal progress, he urged parents to prioritize academic growth and called for sustained administrative field visits to ensure effective implementation of welfare schemes. He described tourism as a major growth engine and encouraged collaborative efforts to harness the region’s vast potential.
The Chief Secretary also visited the Buddha Statue and Museum at Karchekhar village, appreciating the region’s rich cultural heritage. At the University of Ladakh, Khumbuthang campus, he interacted with Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha, faculty and students, and assured that institutional challenges would be reviewed for resolution.
During a Public Darbar at Trespone PHC Block, demands were raised for upgradation of the PHC to a Community Health Centre, Niabat status for Trespone, an ambulance facility and establishment of a trauma centre.
Later, at Hotel The Kargil, nominated councillor Adv. Riyaz Ahmad sought inclusion of Chanigund village under the Vibrant Village Programme.
Chief Secretary Kundra also chaired a detailed review meeting with officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to assess ongoing infrastructure projects. He directed officials to expedite work on key stretches and emphasized timely resolution of arbitration, land acquisition and compensation issues to avoid project delays.
Senior district and departmental officials accompanied the Chief Secretary during the visit.
