Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson chaired a review meeting on April 9 at the Council Secretariat to assess the progress of Project Tsangda, LAHDC Leh’s flagship solid waste management initiative.

During the meeting, District Panchayat Officer (DPO) Junaid Amin Bhat presented a comprehensive update on the current status of the project, outlining key developments, funding gaps, and ongoing challenges in waste segregation, disposal, and infrastructure enhancement. It was noted that nearly 50% of the waste collected at Solid Resource Management Centres (SRMCs) comprises low-value or non-recyclable materials that hold no resale value and are eventually sent for dumping.

A major concern raised was the lack of a dedicated funding source for the effective operation and maintenance of SRMCs. The need for a centralized and efficient waste disposal mechanism was strongly emphasized.

Deliberations were held on streamlining operations across all Tsangda centres by introducing a unified system, establishing a centralized waste deposit facility, and strengthening financial oversight. The proposal to set up a dedicated Project Tsangda Society was also discussed to enhance institutional accountability and facilitate partnerships, including those through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The importance of capacity building—particularly training for SRMC supervisors—and the need to formally acknowledge the contributions of the project team were also highlighted.

CEC Tashi Gyalson instructed officials to submit detailed project requirements to the Chief Planning Officer and called for a follow-up meeting next week to finalize actionable steps and establish robust institutional mechanisms to strengthen the project.

The meeting was attended in person by the Chief Planning Officer; SDM Kharu; BDOs of Chuchot, Kharu, and Rong; and SRMC supervisors.
Additionally, SDMs of Durbuk, Nubra, and Khaltsi, along with BDOs from Leh, Nimo, Saspol, Khaltsi, Skurbuchan, Singay Lalok, Thiksay, Rupsho Puga, Nyoma, Durbuk, Diskit, Turtuk, and Panamik, participated virtually in the deliberations.