Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur visited Uttrakhand on February 15-16 and met Governor of Uttrakhand, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh and Secretary, Tourism Department.

He also visited the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Wildlife Institute of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Survey of India and Indian Military Academy.

LG Mathur thanked Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh for his hospitality and both exchanged thoughts on border management, developmental approach and issues related to development. They also discussed learning’s in various areas as both Ladakh and Uttarakhand share a little similar topography and challenges.

During his visit to the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), LG Mathur was given an overview of the Institute by Director, IIRS, Dr Prakash Chauhan. Head, Geoinformatics Department, IIRS, gave a presentation on projects related to Ladakh, viz. geoportal, Sustainable Development Initiatives, carbon neutrality, geo-tourism, etc.

LG Mathur visited the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), where Director, WII, Dr Dhananjai Mohan, gave an overview of their projects, research and capacity-building initiatives. Dr Sathyakumar gave a presentation on wildlife projects being handled in Ladakh and the future prospects for saving the environment and maintaining a balance between development and ecology in Ladakh within the ambit of the law.

During his visit to Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), LG Mathur was received by its Director, Dr Kalachand Sain. Scientist, WIHG, Dr RJG Perumal gave a presentation on the roadmap for sustainable development with a geoscientific approach. LG Mathur requested Dr Kalanchand for assistance in addressing the issue of shortage of irrigation/drinking water in several villages in Ladakh.

On the second day, LG Mathur met Uttrakhand Tourism Department officials to understand their approach for development in the tourism sector and steps being taken by them to promote winter tourism.

LG Mathur also visited the Survey of India to request help in conducting a revenue survey of the entire Ladakh and for the implementation of the SVAMITVA scheme for Abadi areas. He also visited the Indian Military Academy.