CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, chaired a high-level meeting at the Council Secretariat’s Conference Hall on March 26 to review the progress of ongoing mega projects and address key developmental challenges for the financial year 2024–25.

The meeting was held in the presence of Michael M. D’Souza, IAS, Administrative Secretary, GAD, UT Ladakh, and brought together key officials and stakeholders.

Among those in attendance were Dy. Chairman Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillors Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Stanzin Chosphel, and Ghulam Mehdi; DC/CEO LAHDC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve; Chief Planning Officer, Leh; Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B/PMGSY); and District Superintending Engineers from the PWD, Hydraulic, PHE/I&FC, and PDD departments. Executive Engineers from the Construction and R&B Divisions, Leh, were also present.

Several officials joined virtually, including Executive Engineers from I&FC, PHE, Igoo Phey, Electric Division, STD, LDA, and SO divisions of Khalsi, Nyoma, and Nubra.

Michael M. D’Souza presented an overview of fund allocations, including the Central Road Fund (CRF) and Special Development Package (SDP), outlining financial planning and resource distribution challenges for critical projects.

CEC Tashi Gyalson highlighted the significant budget cuts for UT Ladakh this year and their potential impact on major developmental projects. He emphasized the urgent need for financial restructuring to ensure the timely implementation of both ongoing and new initiatives.

The meeting’s primary agenda was to assess the progress of key infrastructure projects and resolve issues related to road connectivity, financial limitations, and project execution.

High-priority projects discussed included the Bakula Rinpoche Shradhanjali Park, with CEC urging officials to fast-track its progress. The construction of the new Council Secretariat was also reviewed, with a strong emphasis on timely completion. Several other developmental initiatives were evaluated, and officials were directed to accelerate implementation.

Road infrastructure projects under CRF and SDP received particular attention, including the Agyam–Shayok road, especially the critical stretch up to Zero Point, and the Alchi dock project. Snow clearance in remote areas such as Lingshed and Dipling was highlighted as an urgent need to ensure access for students, patients, and residents, particularly after school reopenings.

The Choglamsar road widening project was reviewed in light of rising traffic congestion, with instructions to expedite the work. Progress on the Saboo–Mahabodhi road was also assessed, and officials were asked to resolve all obstacles delaying its completion.

Concluding the meeting, CEC Tashi Gyalson urged all departments to prioritize ongoing projects, address bottlenecks promptly, and ensure timely delivery. He underscored the critical importance of each project in driving Ladakh’s overall development and improving public welfare.