Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal visited Phobrang village of Durbuk Sub-Division and chaired a meeting on the action plan under the Vibrant Village Program of Phobrang village on June 23.

Advisor Ladakh gave carefully hearing to the concerns, issues, and grievances of the villagers of Phobrang and urged all the concerned departments to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) about various schemes and developmental works of Phobrang village to be achieved under the Vibrant Village Program.

The vibrant village program's targets are to provide comprehensive and holistic development of Changthang and improve the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and transform them into self-sufficient and prosperous communities, Dr. Pawan Kotwal stated.

Further, he added that the Vibrant Village Program aims to develop sustainable eco-agribusinesses built on the concept of “One Village-One product” through community-based organizations, Cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs, etc.

“The next objective is to leverage tourism potential by promoting local heritage, culture, and traditional knowledge. As a result, this program will motivate people to stay in their native locations in border areas and retain the population in the border areas,” stated the Advisor.

Advisor Dr Kotwal advised villagers that the natural ecosystems will be safeguarded and enhanced using various conservation strategies.

During the visit, Dr. Kotwal distributed Animal & Sheep equipment such as rubber cow mats, calf – pullers, rubber gum boots, calf-feeding bottles, etc to the beneficiaries of Phobrang village.

Pertaining upgradation of medical facilities, Dr. Kotwal directed Director Health Service to upgrade the Medical sub-centers of Phobrang and Lukung to New Type of Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and sanction a New Medical Sub Centre at Upper Phobrang. 

On the way to Phobrang village, Advisor Dr. Pawan Kotwal inspected the under-construction site of The newly built 30 bedded New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC), Tangtse, Medical Sub-Centre, Lower Phobrang and Pangong Craft Centre (Pashmina), Phobrang. He appreciated the efforts of the medical staff of NTPHC, Tangtse, and Medical sub-center, Lower Phobrang for their sincerity during emergencies and lauded the craftswomen of the Pangong Craft Centre for their work. After reviewing various similar projects, Dr. Pawan Kotwal lauded the progress achieved in the sub-division and instructed to continue the same pace of projects.