 Early Times Report
LEH, July 15: Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), Himanshu Gupta, UT Ladakh, chaired a review meeting to assess the financial and physical progress of ongoing tourism infrastructure projects being implemented under the Special Development Package (SDP) and State Sector Schemes during the first quarter of the financial year 2026-27. At the outset, Secretary, Tourism Department, Sanjeet Rodrigues, presented a detailed overview of the department's expenditure and project implementation status. He informed the meeting that against the approved SDP outlay of Rs 5,825.63 lakh for 2026-27, an expenditure of Rs 2,043.68 lakh had been incurred, accounting for 35.08 percent utilization, while Rs 3,781.95 lakh remained available. The presentation also covered DDO-wise expenditure, agency-wise implementation, object head-wise financial details, and the progress of works under various executing agencies. The Administrative Secretary undertook a project-wise review of major tourism infrastructure works across the Union Territory. These included the construction of the Tourist Pilgrimage Gathering Hall at Kobet Gompa, development of the Leh Convention Centre, infrastructure development at the Public Park, development of tourism assets at Naushara, construction of cafeterias with public conveniences, electrification of tourism facilities, development of infrastructure for the proposed Maha Sindhu Kumbh Mela along the Indus riverfront, Silk Route and Balti Bazaar development in Kargil, Zanskar Auditorium, Kargil Convention Centre, Petroglyph Park, restoration of Photang, construction of a public convenience and café at the Batalik War Memorial, development of the Cultural Centre at Leh, and various projects pertaining to the Department of Libraries, Arts and Culture. During the review, the Administrative Secretary closely examined the physical progress, financial expenditure, timelines, tendering status, revised project costs, and fund utilization of each project. He sought updates on pending works, project milestones, contractor performance, and reasons for delays wherever observed. He directed the executing agencies to expedite works that had recorded slow progress and stressed the need to complete all projects within the stipulated timelines.
While reviewing infrastructure projects, he emphasized the importance of creating durable, high-quality tourism assets that meet prescribed standards. He instructed the concerned officers to ensure proper planning, quality construction, and timely execution while avoiding unnecessary cost escalations. He also called for strict monitoring of projects requiring revised administrative approvals or reallocation of funds to facilitate their early completion.
Reviewing the proposal for cafeterias and tourism amenities, the Administrative Secretary directed the Tourism Department to explore innovative models, including public participation and entrepreneurship, to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance of such facilities. He instructed the department to expedite the tendering process for pending projects and complete all necessary formalities within the prescribed timelines. |
