Leh, Mar 09: Carbon-neutral is the right approach for the development of Ladakh, said the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, who was the chief guest during the virtual session on Ladakh: Enabling Long-Term Inclusive Growth in India organised by ASSOCHAM as a part of its annual session.
LG Mathur stated that carbon-neutrality enables sustainable development. He highlighted that the interest of Ladakh lies in a developmental approach that does not adversely impact its environment, ecology, water resources and atmosphere.
LG Mathur appreciated ASSOCHAM for organising the event and stated that Chamber has uniquely positioned itself to help Ladakh in developing its economy. He also sought assistance from ASSOCHAM in the development of various sectors and for the skill-building of young local entrepreneurs from Ladakh.
LG Mathur highlighted the nature-given gifts to Ladakh such as spring water and renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, hydel and geothermal and the need for its optimum use by attracting more investments. He also suggested that ASSOCHAM may initiate a pilot project in Ladakh to find out the ideal model of building for Ladakh that could be replicated by other Himalayan regions as well.
LG Mathur also spoke on the potential of fisheries, pashmina wool, sea buckthorn, milk production, medicinal aromatic nutraceutical plants, exotic and cold-weather flowers, handicraft and handloom in Ladakh.
He also spoke on initiatives taken for the development of Ladakh, especially in the field of infrastructure development such as the work on the all-weather Zoji-la Tunnel, setting up of helipads and airstrips for connectivity.
Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv Tashi Gyalson, stressed on the need for nurturing and guidance for manufacturing units and encouraging other industrial sectors. He stated that Ladakh has tremendous potential in handicraft and handloom.
Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, stated that Ladakh needs nurturing and guidance for its prosperity and development.
President, All Ladakh Hotels and Guest House Association, Skarma Delex, spoke on issues related to pollution, availing benefits of industrial development schemes.
President, ASSOCHAM, Vineet Agarwal, said that Ladakh has a very diverse topology and any development in the region must be done in a sustainable manner, keeping the effects of climate change in mind. He also said that multi-sectoral growth is the key to the prosperity of any region and the union government’s vision 2050 for Ladakh is a multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral strategy towards the regional economic revival.
Earlier, Chairman, ASSOCHAM, Ladakh Development Council, Tashi Gyalson, welcomed the guests and moderated the session.
