Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) discussed the proposal for the construction of the Media Center-cum-Office Complex of Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Leh on February 1.

The proposed Media Center-cum-Office Complex of DIPR Leh would be constructed at the existing Assistant Director Information Office and the Auditorium Hall near Polo Ground. It was also informed that the existing Auditorium Hall adjacent to the AD Information Office, in which films of the local filmmakers were screened, was declared unfit and would be torn down. It was further informed that there was constant demand from the local filmmakers for an auditorium where they could screen their films and the proposed Media Centre-cum-Office Complex includes an auditorium keeping their demand in mind.

Pradeep Gupta from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and Rohit from Rohit Mudaliar Architects gave a presentation on the design elements incorporated in the building, including the use of local materials and vernacular architectural elements, etc. They informed that the site area spread over 2480.51 square metres would comprise a 132-seating capacity auditorium, office space, community facilities such as an art studio, photo exhibition, art gallery, library-cum-digital archive; café, parking area, etc. They also informed the LG that the two-story building is disabled-friendly.

Commending steps being taken for the promotion and encouragement of Ladakhi filmmakers/artists by providing them with an auditorium to showcase their work, LG highlighted the need for maximum space by utilizing and incorporating non-built and non-utilized areas to create a sense of openness. He also asked to increase the seating capacity of the auditorium to accommodate more people. He also suggested including the cafeteria in the building itself so that the size of the auditorium could be increased to accommodate more seats.

Advisor, Dr Pawan Kotwal; Commissioner Secretary, Information & Public Relations, Padma Angmo; Commissioner Secretary, Culture, Kacho Mehbbob Ali Khan; Secretary, Ravinder Kumar; Assistant Director, Information Department, Leh, Dr Tundup Namgial and other concerned officials joined the meeting virtually and physically.