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| Governor reviews LAHDC functioning, inaugurates Ladakh Festival | | | Early Times Reporter
Srinagar | Sep 2
Governor, N N Vohra, has stressed the development of high quality infrastructure is essential for making tourism a sustainable avocation in the Leh region. He expressed satisfaction that during the preceding year, a tourist arrival of 50,000 was recorded, 60 per cent among whom were foreigners.
Inaugurating the Ladakh Festival at a scintillating function at Leh, the Governor observed that the State Government supported the need for relaxation in granting Inner-Line Permits to foreign tourists in Ladakh and opening of more tourist circuits, particularly in Nyuma, Nubra and Khalste in the region, in view of the growing influx of tourists. He added that this matter is presently under the consideration of the Central Government.
The Ladakh Festival is being organized since 1985 to showcase the virgin scenic splendor of the region which is popularly known as the "Land of Endless Discovery".
The Governor also observed that the issue of opening of the route through Damchuk for border trade and pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar through Ladakh is being pursued with the Centre by the State Government.
After taking over as the Governor of the State, this was the first visit of Vohra to Ladakh. He announced that the Government was working on introducing three new events relating to wild life, a film festival and an agri-expo. He also stressed the need for bringing Ladakh's scenic beauty and adventure potential on the international tourist canvas.
In his inaugural address, the Governor reiterated the commitment of the State Government for stepping up the tempo of development in the Leh region, particularly in the infrastructure sector. He announced an additionality of Rs 10 crores to Leh District's Annual Plan 2008-09, currently pegged at Rs 60 crores.
Highlighting the importance of the power sector in the development context of Leh, the Governor observed that the preparatory work for taking up mini hydel projects through the Public Private Participation (PPP) will the expedited and the work on the geo-thermal project at Puga will be initiated and completed on a time bound basis. Indicating that Nimo-Bazgo Project is likely to be completed by 2011-12, he stressed the need for the required transmission and distribution elements being timely put in place.
The Governor also informed that that a significant progress had been registered in the road sector over the years. Under the Prime Minister's Gram Sadak Yojna, 21 projects estimated to cost Rs 45 crores were under execution. As many as 11 projects, adding 26 kilometers to the road length, have been completed. All habitations of over 500 population were being connected by roads by the next financial year. Leh has been given a special dispensation to connection all the 250 plus habitations by the close of the current financial year.
Earlier, the Governor held a meeting with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and was briefed by Chewang Dorjee, Chief Executive Councilor of the Council about the developmental scenario. Among those present in the discussions were the Advisors to Governor, H H Tyabji and C Phunsog, Member Parliament, Thupsan Chewang, MLC P Namgyal Principal Secretary to Governor, B B Vyas, and Secretary, Public Works, Shailendra Kumar, besides the Counselors and senior officers of the district including Ajit Sahu, District Development Commissioner, Leh.
A number of issues were discussed in the meeting including, inter alia, amendment to the LAHDC Act so as to give more powers to the Council, particularly relating to its administrative control over the staff. The Governor took a serious note of the large number of vacancies in the Health and Engineering Departments and ordered immediate arrangements for filling up the vacancies.
Describing women empowerment as the key to establishing a harmonious society, Vohra said that the Government would facilitate exchange of views between the Lady Counselors and other women groups in the Jammu and Kashmir regions. |
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