On the way back to Ladakh after attending the 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting from May 22 to 24, 2023 at Srinagar, Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan inspected the tourism infrastructure development works at various sites in Drass Sub Division on May 25.

At Zero Point Zojila, the Administrative Secretary (Tourism) while taking stock of the progress achieved on the construction of the welcome gate to Ladakh directed the engineers of Kargil Development Authority to complete the remaining work at the earliest. He also inspected the site/land identified for construction of a tourist reception center/skoryangs center near Minamarg.

While inspecting the ongoing works for the construction of tourist reception center-cum-cafeterias being executed by the National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC) at Minamarg and Styaqsbu Drass, both under Swadesh Darshan 1.0, the Secretary took a detailed round of the sites. The Executive Engineer, NBCC briefed the Secretary about the project details and the plan to complete both projects by June 2023. The Administrative Secretary emphasised on completion of the projects without compromising the quality and quantity as per the approved DPR. He pointed out these projects are over-delayed and that no more time over-run should be allowed. The Secretary also talked about the expectation of the UT Administration from the CPSUs.

At Dak Bungalow Drass, the Secretary directed the concerned officers to prepare a site plan/DPR for upgradation, renovation of the existing buildings with the scope for incorporating winter-friendly facilities. He also instructed the officers and engineers of KDA and Tourism Department to make immediate arrangements for the installation of an astronomical telescope in the Dak Bungalow premises.

Secretary, Khan also inspected the progress of work on the construction of the wayside amenity at Chowkiyal, Drass being executed by KDA and directed the concerned officers to complete the remaining works at the earliest to make this facility functional from the current season. He directed the officers to ensure quality, workmanship, and quantity as per the approved plan.

The Administrative Secretary also visited the historical Polo Ground at Bhimbet, Drass and as requested by the local representatives directed the AD(Tourism), Kargil, and KDA officers to examine the feasibility of developing it without tampering with its historical importance. He also inspected the parking, toilet, cafeteria facilities for tourists near the Kargil War Memorial and instructed the AD(Tourism), Kargil, and engineers of KDA to take up the issue of collection of waste and its disposal with the Rural Development department. He interacted with the persons running the private parking lots and requested them to maintain cleanliness, and hygiene at the eateries and requested them to operate all facilities as per law.

The Secretary also interacted with public representatives/locals at Drass and listened to their issues and developmental needs. He assured them of appropriate measures for the redressal of the issues.

Executive Engineer, KDA Morup Dorjay; Executive Engineer, NBCC, Bilal Ahmad; Assistant Director, Tourism, Kargil Aga Syed Tawha; OSD/Under Secretary to Administrative Secretary, Muhammad Ali Tak; engineers of KDA besides other concerned officers accompanied the Administrative Secretary during the tour.

Photo Caption: Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan inspecting the tourism infrastructure development works at various sites in Drass Sub Division.