Deputy Commissioner/DEO Kargil

In the larger interest of peace, public tranquility, and social harmony in Ladakh, I have approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals, related to the unfortunate violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year. Following a comprehensive review, the Ladakh police recommended a closure report for 20 individuals, in FIR no. 144/2005, registered at PS - Leh, under section 360 of the BNSS. This decision ensures that these 20 individuals move forward positively with their lives and careers. By prioritizing justice and healing over protracted litigation, the decision aims at fostering a more peaceful, united, and harmonious society in Ladakh. I extend my sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah Ji for his constant guidance and sympathetic approach, in matters pertaining to the victims and their families.

A landmark decision for grassroots governance in Ladakh. Have approved a major enhancement in the monthly emoluments of our 247 Nambardars (village heads) across the Union Territory, raising it from a meagre Rs 1500 per month to Rs 5,000 per month, marking a substantial increase of over 233%. This first revision in 10 years, i.e. since 2016, fulfills a long-standing demand raised by our Nambardars, during my frequent visits to villages and the recent interaction with them on September 19. Our Nambardars are the vital bridge between the administration and the people. From raising local water issues to driving the last-mile delivery of welfare schemes, it is indeed impressive to see their in-depth understanding of the ground realities and their proactive role in addressing the pressing issues concerning Ladakh. This enhancement not only ensures their financial security but also deeply recognises their relentless, valuable contribution towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and empowered Ladakh.

In our continued commitment to support the families, affected by the tragic violence in Ladakh on 24 September last year, today sanctioned a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of each of the four deceased. An ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh for those with major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for minor injuries has also been approved. Deeply grateful to Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah Ji for his sensitive, humanitarian and guiding approach, who has always stood in solidarity with the victims and their families. While no compensation amount can replace a life lost or erase the pain endured, the Ladakh Administration firmly stands beside every affected family in their journey towards healing and overcoming the grief.

Glad to share a mammoth exercise we have undertaken to revive the majestic glacial lake – Tso Kar in Ladakh, using the pioneering glacier water integration, making it the first-of-its-kind high-altitude ecological restoration project in India. Utilizing natural gravity flow and simple earthworks that involves creating nearly 11.5 km of earthen channel, 320 million litres per day (132 cusecs) of untapped glacier water is being channelized from the Rupsho Kharnak stream, located at over 18,000 ft altitude, to rejuvenate Tso Kar. Before flowing into the Tso Kar, this massive volume of glacier water will cascade through 3 natural depressions – spanning 270 acres, 24 acres and 10 acres respectively – that will collectively hold nearly 1230 million litres of water, thereby, creating three new waterbodies in the process. Beginning September 9, nearly 20 cusecs of water has already been successfully diverted to the first pond, filling it at a fast pace. Once spanning 11,000 acres, the iconic Tso Kar lake at a high altitude of 15,000 ft, has shrunk drastically by 70% over the last decade, displacing migratory birds including the famed Black-Necked Crane and forcing the local Pashmina herders miles away from their homes in search of grazing lands for their Pashmina goats. This project, guided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji’s vision of ecological restoration for India’s future security, has the potential to bring Tso Kar back to its original glory, within a year. This intervention is also expected to improve the livelihood of the local communities by restoring the vital grazing lands, so our Pashmina herders can finally return home. I am confident, such scientific, sustainable and low-cost interventions would prove to a decisive step towards long-term climate resilience, ecological integrity, water and agricultural prosperity.

Visited the historic and heritage village of Hunderman in Kargil, located on the Indo-Pak border, and took stock of the ongoing initiatives under the “Exploring LOC & Hunderman Village Experience” project, to develop this abandoned hill settlement into a thriving heritage and tourism destination. To enhance the visitor experience, directed the concerned departments to develop comprehensive, modern infrastructure – including a dedicated viewpoint, walking promenades, eco-friendly EV charging stations, cafes, smart toilets, parking and enhanced safety measures. Development of this border village is aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji’s larger vision of infusing self-sustainability and promoting inclusivity in the remote border areas. But while we are committed to putting Hunderman on the global tourism map, I reaffirm that this growth must be sustainable and inclusive. I am confident, Hunderman, the first village on the LoC, will emerge as an inspiring model of promoting heritage and border tourism in Ladakh, besides opening livelihood opportunities for the local communities.

On the request of Hon’ble MP Ladakh, @Haneefa_Jan, visited Sodh block in Kargil yesterday, to assess the prevailing acute water crisis and take stock of the hardships of the local community. Hon’ble MP and Hon’ble CEC Kargil, @drajaffer were also present during the visit. Experienced first hand that water shortage had severely affected agricultural activities in the villages, causing significant loss of livelihood and also forcing villagers to migrate to nearby areas. Directed the concerned authorities to identify potential water sources like glacier streams near Sodh block, that could be channelised to the nearby villages for assured water availability and agricultural sustainability.

Reviewed the progress of works at Kargil Airport for early operationalisation of the commercial services, along with Hon’ble CEC Kargil, @drajaffer , Hon’ble MP Ladakh @Haneefa_Jan, Sheikh Nazir Ul Mehdi, and officials of Airport Authority of India, Indian Air Force and district administration, during my visit to Kargil today. Pleased to share that the Airport Authority of India and the Indian Air Force are currently conducting joint surveys for the development and strengthening of the runway and handling logistical requirements to prepare for commercial civilian aircraft operations. District administration is working on land requirements for expansion of runway and other operational requirements. While the meeting was satisfactory, I urged all agencies to work in tandem to expedite the works and complete it in a time-bound manner, that would not only expand air connectivity across Ladakh but also address this long-pending and vital demand of our local people. The UT Administration remains firmly committed to enhancing connectivity and accelerating socio-economic growth across Ladakh.