A week-long community outreach programme organised by the Municipal Committee Leh commenced on March 9 at the Community Hall in Chubi Yangrtsey, covering the areas of Sankar, Chubi, Changspa and Karzoo.

The programme aims to strengthen coordination between the Municipal Committee and residents of Leh town while creating awareness about key municipal services and civic responsibilities.

During the programme, Nambardar Nawang Tsering welcomed Stanzin Rabgais, Executive Officer of Municipal Committee Leh, with traditional khataks, along with other departmental officers and participants from the area.

Addressing the gathering, Executive Officer Stanzin Rabgais highlighted the objectives of the week-long outreach initiative and emphasised the need to bridge the gap between the public and the Municipal Committee. He stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in Leh town and elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of both the public and government officials in ensuring effective civic management.

He also interacted with residents regarding municipal services, including the functioning and timing of waste collection vehicles, the work of sanitation staff and the proper use of dustbins. He informed that from April onwards, the Municipal Committee will deploy waste collection vehicles twice a week and a nominal user charge of ₹100 per month will be collected from households for waste management services.

Further, the Executive Officer informed the public that prior permission from the Municipal Committee Leh will be mandatory before undertaking any building construction within Leh town. Applicants will be required to submit their details through the online system and obtain approval before starting construction work.

The outreach programme focuses on key areas such as sanitation and solid waste management, construction and building regulations, water supply management, street lighting and civic infrastructure, and community participation.

During the interaction session, officials engaged with community representatives, gobas and local residents to discuss civic concerns and encourage public participation in improving municipal services.

Residents raised various issues, including a shortage of drinking water; concerns related to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM); stray animals, including dogs that pose risks to the public and livestock; road infrastructure; construction-related matters; and other local issues.

The week-long outreach campaign will be conducted across 21 wards of Leh town from March 9 to 14 to enhance awareness and strengthen engagement between the Municipal Committee and the public.