Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, said on Sunday that the region is entering a new era of change after being granted Union Territory status and is poised to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
Speaking at a felicitation programme organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad in Jammu, the LG said Ladakh had faced decades of neglect and discrimination, but its long-pending demand for UT status was fulfilled under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Describing Ladakh as “far more beautiful than Switzerland,” Gupta said the administration is working to promote the region as a complete tourism package, blending adventure, spiritual, religious and winter tourism.
He announced that frontier areas like Siachen and Galwan will also be developed as new attractions, giving visitors a chance to experience not only natural beauty but also the spirit of courage and sacrifice associated with Ladakh.
Gupta said the UT Administration, with active support from the Centre, is upgrading infrastructure, improving connectivity and promoting eco-friendly tourism.
“There are several challenges, but massive change will be witnessed in Ladakh in the coming years. We will ensure that Ladakh showcases not only its breathtaking landscapes but also its rich heritage, vibrant culture and traditions before the world,” he said.
The LG added that the administration is committed to inclusive growth and sustainable development while protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecology. “Our vision is to build a sustainable and empowered Ladakh,” he stressed.
During the event, the LG also released a directory of Mahajan Sabha Channi Himmat, containing the biodata of 682 Mahajan families, and felicitated community members for their social service.
The programme began with Vedic hymns recited by students of Panchvaktar Mahadev Pathshala, and a two-minute silence was observed in memory of cloudburst victims in Kishtwar and Kathua.
