During the two days visit of CM J&K Mehbooba Mufti, 75 meters span victory bridge was inaugurated at Khaltse on December 22. The bridge cost ₹ 840.70 lakh was constructed to commemorate the victory of Kargil War.

  

On the same day, Central Asian Museum at Tsas Soma Leh and budgeted accommodation by Tourism Department at Chuchot was also inaugurated. A foundation stone of tourist reception centre-cum-waiting lounge at Sindhu Ghat was also laid.

 

She also addressed a special meeting at Conference hall, DC office, Leh. The meeting was attended all the stakeholders of Leh and Kargil.

On 24 December, Mehbooba visited Nubra valley and inaugurated the Tourist Felicitation Centre at Khardong-la top and handed over the ambulance key to Medical Department, Leh which was donated by Excise Department. She also announced setting up of a Tourism Development Authority for Nubra valley. A sum of ₹17 crores will be spending on the tourism development in the area.

Talking about the problems faced by the people of Turtuk, she said an effort will be made to redress all the issues.  Highlighting the connectivity issue, she said survey on Turtuk-Hanu road will be conducted, the construction of the road will minimize the distance between Nubra and Kashmir valley considerably.

An 80-meter long bridge at Kharpon-Thang over Shayok River was inaugurated by the CM. People of Thang, Tyakshi and Pachathang were not satisfied with the visit of CM as they were not been able to express their issues and problem. The people of the villages were highly expected to have the interaction with the CM.  

On the opening of Turtuk-Khaplu route to re-establish the social connection of the divided families, she said the matter will be taken up to let the people living across the LoC meet as in the case of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawlakote routes.

Stressing on the immense tourism potential in the Nubra-Turtuk valley she stressed on the need of exploiting the potential. Talking about the various tourism development projects in the Nubra valley she said that the setting up of the Authority will surely help in getting these projects into focus.

For the promotion and preservation of local culture, music and language a Cultural institute and an interpretation center for the information and guidance of the tourists visiting the area would be set up in Turtuk. “Also wayside facilities and residential accommodation for tourists besides Upgradation of infrastructure would be undertaken”, CM said.

Responding to the local demands, Mehbooba Mufti said adequate manpower and stock of medicine would be made available at the Public Health Centre, Turtuk.

She further added a recommendation will be given to the CAPD Department to open up a Fair Price Shop and also assured to put an effort to address all other issues raised by the people.

Minister Chhering Dorje said, “CM visit during the winters is a gesture which reiterates the present BJP-PDP Coalition Governments commitment and duty towards the welfare and development of Leh District.”

On the visit of CM Mehbooba Mufti, Minister for Cooperatives & Ladakh Affairs Chhering Dorje and CEC Dr. Sonam Dawa on behalf of the people of Leh extended gratitude for the announcements and allocations for the Leh District and to address all the issues of the people.

CM announcements:

1. Early commencement of work on the Zojila Tunnel.

2. MI-17 Helicopter Service for common people on Srinagar-Leh, Leh-Nubra, Leh-Yulchung, Nerags route.

3. Tourism Development Authority for Nubra valley.

4. Up-gradation of the financial power of LAHDC in awarding works contacts from 5 crores to 20 crores.

5. Allocation of  ₹30 Crores in favor of Leh District, which includes  ₹5 crores for Naro Gyantuk celebration,  ₹10 crores additionally, 3 crores under NABARD State share and rest on account of work done liabilities for floods damages etc.

6.  A sum of ₹5 crores for road macadamization in Leh District.