Padma Shri awardee Chultim Chonjor met Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur and raised several issues for the development of Zanskar sub-division at Raj Niwas on March 23.

He talked about  inspecting the site and preparation of detailed project reports (DPR) of solar-powered lift irrigation system in Anmu, Stongday, Kumik, Shilingskit, Teach Khasar, Langmi Rejien Hogchet, Karsha, Hamiling, Sjygam, Shamulling, Remala, Ichar, Cha, Marling, Purney, Tsazar, Zangla and Pishu; identifying land and developing infrastructure for the construction of a civil airport at Padum; relocation of the headwork of Shinkula Tunnel in the northern portal from the proposed location to Lakhang at the foothill of Shinkula Pass instead of the current proposed location; setting up a cement factory in Zanskar; conducting a mega plantation drive at Marthang in Zanskar; sanctioning of loan against mortgage of immovable property instead of loan against guarantor; sanctioning of the proposed lift irrigation system for Marthang, etc.

LG Mathur informed that the solar-powered lift irrigation projects are a priority this year and the civil airport in Zanskar is under consideration. He shared that Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is preparing the DPR for the Shingkula Pass and the tender may be floated this year. He further shared that the transmission line from Drass to Padum, completion of the hydel projects by KREDA and the proposed installation of the solar power plant would improve the power situation in Zanskar in the long run.

A delegation of Sarpanch Coordination Committee from Zanskar led by Chairman, Block Development Council (BDC), Karsha, Lobzang Namgail raised the issues of the people of Karsha, Phey and Salapi villages, including the construction of road from Nakpo Manay to Soma Photang in Karsha under special development package (SDP) fund; setting up a Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Abran and Phey villages; setting up a tribal hostel facility for students at Government High Secondary School, Phey and Government High School, Karsha; sanctioning of lift irrigation facility at Karsha, Yulsum and Hemiling villages; construction of a circular road in Jungkhor; construction of a multipurpose stadium in Jungkhor; beautification of Sani Lake; settling the dispute over land between people of Salapi Gyapak and Ruk-Ruk villages and ex-servicemen and the sanctioning of community development (CD) block for Stoth with the headquarter at Phey village.