Leh, March 15: Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday inspected the Leh Main Market and heritage areas including Leh Old Town, Chuteyrantak and the Central Asian Museum to review civic infrastructure, sanitation and heritage conservation.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor walked through the market lanes and Old Town areas, interacting with locals and issuing directions for the upkeep of public spaces and basic amenities. Residents also apprised him of issues related to sewage disposal, drainage and narrow pathways.
Emphasising the need for a cleaner and tourist-friendly urban environment, Saxena directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan within one month to address sanitation, infrastructure gaps and urban management in Leh town.
At the Leh Main Market, he called for maintaining a uniform design and signage system to enhance the market’s aesthetic appeal. He also instructed authorities to install decorative flower pots, repair damaged pavements and stairs, and use uniform tiles to ensure visual harmony in the market area.
The LG stressed regular cleaning of drains, proper garbage disposal and installation of dustbins at designated locations to prevent littering. He also directed officials to ensure that fire hydrants remain functional and adequate firefighting arrangements are in place for public safety.
While inspecting the Old Town area, Saxena asked departments to improve the approach to the Central Asian Museum and widen drainage channels to prevent overflow onto streets. He emphasised maintaining cleanliness and removing debris in the historic locality, noting that Leh Old Town reflects Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage.
Highlighting the need to preserve traditional architecture, Saxena directed that civic infrastructure improvements should not tamper with the heritage character of the town. He also ordered that exposed electrical wires be covered and cables gradually laid underground through ducts alongside sewage pipelines.
The LG further called for removal of encroachments along pavements, development of adequate parking spaces and improved street lighting and drainage systems. He stressed the preparation of a long-term sewage treatment plan to meet the needs of the growing population over the next decade.
Saxena said strengthening civic infrastructure and maintaining cleanliness in Leh are essential not only for residents but also for boosting Ladakh’s tourism potential.
He was accompanied by Ashish Kundra, Mukesh Singh and other senior officials during the inspection.
