Ladakh News
Chief Secretary Dr Pawan Kotwal Conducts Developmental Review and Public Outreach in Nyoma Subdivision, Addresses Key Local Concerns During Two-Day Tour of Nyoma, Hanley, and Demchok Nyoma, Ladakh, 5 May 2025: Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, concluded a two-day official tour of the Nyoma subdivision, during which he visited the areas of Nyoma, Hanley, and Demchok. The visit was aimed at reviewing ongoing developmental projects, assessing infrastructure, and directly engaging with local communities to address pressing public concerns. In Nyoma, Dr Kotwal convened a comprehensive review meeting with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), evaluating the performance and progress of various departments. He inspected critical infrastructure including the Pashmina Goat Farm, and reviewed the revenue and forest department facilities. Emphasising the need for effective land use and environmental conservation, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of responsible development in ecologically sensitive zones. He also inspected the Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) at Nyoma and Mudh. During his visit to Hanley, the Nambardar of Hanley, Mr Khaldo, raised a series of significant issues, notably the restrictions imposed by the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, which impede the registration of homestays and thereby affect local tourism and livelihoods. Concerns were also expressed over challenges related to land registration, the demand to upgrade the existing Medical Aid Centre (MAC) to a Primary Health Centre (PHC), and an appeal for increased budget allocation towards constructing a temporary ice hockey rink. Nambardars of Buk and Shado villages in Hanley presented key requisitions, highlighting the poor performance of solar electricity facilities, the need for a new community hall, and the installation of chain-link fencing to safeguard pasture lands. The Tibetan Nomadic Settlement of Hanley requested the construction of a black-topped link road to Tenkhar Gonpa and a guest room to facilitate cultural, social, and public gatherings. On 3 May, Dr Kotwal visited the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR), where he interacted with local villagers and distributed 1,560 lamp shades and 508 blackout curtains as part of efforts to promote astro-tourism. He directed the PWD 124 Division to assign an electrician to ensure timely installation. The Chief Secretary also met with the young Astro Ambassadors and commended their dedication and contribution to raising awareness of astro-tourism in the region. The second day of the tour saw Dr Kotwal hold a public outreach programme at the Demchok Community Hall, where he attentively listened to the grievances and suggestions of the local populace. The Nambardar of Demchok put forward several key demands, including permission for tourist visits and overnight stays at the Demchok hot springs, installation of an Airtel mobile tower to improve connectivity, and the posting of a full-time MBBS doctor at the local health centre. Additional requests included compensation for livestock losses during the winter and the installation of a borewell to address water scarcity caused by the drying of the village’s nallah. Responding to the community's concerns, Dr Kotwal assured that the matters raised would be escalated to the relevant departments and that requisite measures would be taken. In a significant development, he directed the SDM of Nyoma to prepare a comprehensive proposal for the transformation of Demchok into a Model Vibrant Village. Dr Kotwal was accompanied during the tour by Mr Sajjad Hussain Mufti, Chief Wildlife Warden of Ladakh; Mr Tushar Anand, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nyoma; the Station House Officer (SHO) Nyoma; and other officers and officials representing various departments operating in the Nyoma subdivision. This visit reflects the administration’s proactive approach in fostering inclusive development, enhancing public service delivery, and ensuring that governance reaches the remotest corners of the Union Territory. |
