Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) and First Lady Neelam Mishra met several public delegations on the first day of his tour to the Durbuk sub-division on August 23.

Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; Councillor, Chushul, Konchok Stanzin; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Durbuk,Shakeel Ahmed; PRI members, elected representatives and villagers were present in the meetings. 

L-G was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival at Spangmik village on the banks of Pangong Lake and also at the Community Hall in Yourgo, Phobrang. The public representatives led by EC Yakzee, Councillor Chushul , Chairpersons of Block Development Council (BDC) and nambardars raised several issues, viz. the early installation and saturation of the 4G BSNL towers in uncovered areas of Durbuk, especially the border areas, for better telecommunication connectivity; the early rationalisation of boundaries of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary; the need for skilled PHE linemen for the maintenance of pipelines being laid under the Jal Jeevan Mission and linemen in the Power Development Department to maintain electric poles; the need for a trained DG set operator as the area experiences regular power outages; the request to return the Notor land belonging to villagers of Spangmik; the need for clearance from Wildlife Department for the installation of Airtel towers in Maan Pangong area; the need to repair ice hockey rink along with construction of dressing room and toilet facilities for players and guests at Phobrang; the need to construct a playground in Phobrang; allotment of land for Youth Association Phobrang to conduct various activities; the need for chain link fence for pasture land at Phobrang; reservation of jobs for youth from border areas of Ladakh by allotting Actual Line of Control (ALC) certificates; legalisation of land which has already been allotted at Pangong Lake along with land being used for agriculture and plantation purposes; the need for proper banking facility at Paan Pangong; homestay facility for all the households in Maan Pangong; the need for an ambulance at Primary Health Centre, Tangtse; the need for a proper waste disposal system to dispose of the waste; the construction of solarised room for every household under the Vibrant Villages Programme; assistance for construction of dining hall, kitchen, store room and power supply connection for the ongoing construction of the Drikung Kagyu Gon Serbhum Chan at Spangmik, the upgradation of Medical Aid Centre at Phobrang to New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC); the need for additional 150 units of Polycarobonate Greenhouses for residents of Phobrang; etc. 

LG stated that clearance has already been given for the installation of BSNL 4G towers in wildlife protected areas. He also stated that necessary instructions have been given to the concerned BSNL officials to complete the saturation of installation of BSNL 4G towers in uncovered areas of Ladakh by end of this year. He further informed about the progress on the rationalisation of boundaries of Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries for the benefit of the natives of those places so that they can continue with their agriculture, livestock and other livelihood means. 

LG informed about the delay in the declaration of the SSC Ladakh Selection Posts 2022 exams and the decision taken by the UT Administration to establish Ladakh's own Services Selection Board (SSB) to avoid such complications in future and also to ensure timely recruitment of Ladakhi youth.  He also informed about measures being taken by the UT Administration with both Hill Councils and PRIs representatives to develop Pashmina and Yak wool in Ladakh, promote tourism activities and open more homestays, etc. 

LG informed about his motto to make Ladakh Corruption and Delay-Free and develop the region into the best Union Territory in the country. 

He also visited Pangong Lake and interacted with tourists.  Taking note of feedback from tourists, LG instructed concerned officials to take necessary steps to improve public convenience facilities along with garbage collection and clearance facility at Pangong Lake for the ease and convenience of tourists.

L-G also visited the Army units at Zingral and Tsoltak and interacted with the jawans of the Indian Army.