Says Ladakh to replicate Daman-Diu model with focus on people-centric development
Says will develop Sindhu River, promote adventure sports to boost tourism
Diu: Tourism plays a vital role in the development of any region as it not only strengthens the economy but also creates employment opportunities and promotes local culture.
This was stated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, during his visit to the Aviary Bird Sanctuary, on the last day of his visit to the Union Territory of Daman and Diu & Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Accompanied by First Lady Smt. Bindu Gupta, Advisor to the Administrator Mr. Amit Singla, IAS, and senior government officials, the Lt Governor appreciated the tourism-friendly initiatives taken by the administration in Daman and Diu, particularly in promoting eco-tourism, strengthening government institutions, empowering local communities, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth and women.
Shri Kavinder Gupta said that similar strategies will be adopted in Ladakh to ensure comprehensive development of the Union Territory. He emphasized that Ladakh has immense potential in the field of adventure and nature-based tourism. “Adventure sports will be promoted in the coming years, with a special focus on sustainable practices that benefit local communities,” he said.
Highlighting plans for infrastructure development, the Lt Governor emphasized that the Sindhu River will be developed as a vibrant hub for tourism, cultural activities, and water-based recreation, thereby showcasing Ladakh’s unique heritage and natural beauty.
The Lt Governor further underlined the UT Administration’s commitment to bringing people closer to governance. “There is a dire need to bridge the gap between citizens and government institutions. The Centre is committed to ensuring that benefits of development reach the last person standing in the queue,” he stated.
The Lt Governor asserted that the lessons drawn from the successful models in Daman and Diu should be replicated in Ladakh with equal emphasis on healthcare, education, connectivity, and youth empowerment.
Earlier, the Lt Governor visited the Daman Aviary bird sanctuary, where he inspected the Walk-In Aviary project constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 16.96 crores. The Walk in Aviary, spread over 23,400 sq mt, has 70 holding pens, 91 poles, 2 bridges on the pond, one waterfall, along with a ticketing counter and a security cabin.
The Lt Governor also visited the food stalls installed by women street vendors on the Daman sea front. The Daman Municipal Council launched the Sylvian Didi initiative to empower these women street vendors, as these women were trained to prepare nutritious food and juices under the DAY-NULM scheme. Ergonomic and aesthetically designed carts were provided to them through the PM SVANidhi loans, along with uniforms. The Lt Governor also visited the Forest Guest House, where he inspected all the facilities provided to guests.
“The implementation of Central Government schemes such as the DAY-NULM and PM SVANidhi that provide street vendors with hands-on training, collateral-free working capital loans and equipment to boost livelihood opportunities and empowering street vendors to become self-reliant and the establishment of bird sanctuaries to safeguard bird species and their natural habitats reflect the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the holistic development of the citizens of Union Territory of Daman and Diu,” he added.
