The celebration of 70th Republic day began with the hoisting of tricolor national flag by Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, CEC/ Chairman LAHDC, Leh on January 26 at Pologround.

Addressing the gathering at polo ground, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal said that Republic day is a moment to remember the freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh who sacrificed their lives to free India from Britishers. Also, remember the first President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad who lead the free India and architect of India Constitution Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar who gave the precious gift of Indian Constitution on 26th January, 1950.

He highlighted the developmental and financial achievements of LAHDC; Leh resulted in the last five years under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. He mentioned that under Prime Minister Development Programme, ₹ 80,000 crores was released to the State and  out of which about  ₹ 25,000 crores was allotted for development of the twin district of Ladakh which includes ₹ 9,000 crores for Zojila Tunnel, ₹ 5,000 crore for Lachulung-La and Taglang La Tunnel, ₹ 1,700 crores for Nimoo-Padum-Darcha Road.  .  

Talking about sanctioning of ₹ 480 crore for the construction of airport terminal and bay extension, ₹ 323 Crore contract has already been awarded. He informed that Leh is planning to extend Leh airport terminal and also to increase the number of airplanes by 2021.  The Northern Grid power transmission from Srinagar to Leh, 220 KV is expected to function from February 9, 2019, with the inauguration by PM Narendra Modi.

He said that ₹ 272 crores worth 19 MW Hydro Project of Durbuk-Shayok is in progress, under Swachh Bharat Mission, project ‘Tsangda’ waste management and segregation is successfully implemented in rural and semi-rural areas of Leh district.  Also, ₹12.62 crore has been sanctioned by Govt. of India for the Ice hockey stadium.

Talking about the health sector, he said that the capacity of the SNM Hospital bed has been upgraded from 150  to 300 beds by the Governor of J&K State and creation of 99 posts including doctors and paramedical staff are under process. He also talked about the recently established Dialysis Unit in SNM Hospital Leh under Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program which is currently functioning benefitting a number of kidney patients. 

He also informed about 1000 metric ton cold storage plant at a cost of ₹ 10.71 crore, 75 percent of the project was completed;  ₹ 5.50 crore sanctioned under 13th Finance and the remaining ₹ 6.18 Crore is kept under the languishing project.

He also talked about the improvement of agriculture by introducing soil health card and so far 5,493 cards have already been distributed among the farmers. To encourage youths towards the agriculture sector, 11170 Kisan Credit Cards with a huge subsidy issued among the youths of the district.

“Culturally, Ladakh has a unique and distinct culture that needs to preserve not only by the older generation but also younger generation. LAHDC Leh has achieved to put up Sowa Rigpa as recognized Ayush through legislation in the state Assembly and it honors the wisdom of more than 360 Amchis including 30 number of degree holder’, he added.

In the education sector, he mentioned the sanction of Cluster University for Ladakh with headquarters in Leh to promote higher education in the region, the appointment of separate Rector and delinking the examination schedule of Degree College Leh with Kashmir University.

To resolve the transfer problem of local police personnel, he said that the State Govt. has sanctioned a new Police battalion in Leh and hoped that with the efforts of present Hill Council more battalions are likely to sanction.

District Employment and counseling centre, Leh, Attaullah Khan, Naib Tehsildar, Global Himalayan, Safai walas of Municipal Committee; Alamder Health Services, NGO, Leh;Mohammad Issa Head Constable, JKP; Jigmet Desal, Orderly, DC office; Ghulam Mussa, Health and Dorje Angchuk, musician were presented district award for their dedication and bringing change.