Commissioner/Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan reviewed the status of physical and financial achievement in ongoing works through various executing agencies at the Civil Secretariat, Leh on January 8.

The meeting covered ongoing projects and works under the purview of the Tourism, Culture, and Labour Department.

Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan commenced the meeting by scrutinizing the progress of the library building work in Kargil and Leh. After ascertaining the current status of the work, he showed his displeasure at the slow pace of work on the library building despite the better allocation of funds. He directed the executing agency [PW(R&B), Kargil] to initiate action against the contractor(s) if they don’t show progress as expected of them. He also emphasised that the executing agency has to exhibit professionalism and administrative competence to complete projects in time ensuring quality, quantity, and excellent workmanship. 

He also reviewed the status of work of office building of the Archives, Archaeology & Museums (Antiquities) department and directed the executing agency and Registering Officer (Antiquities) to complete the remaining work so that the department starts functioning from the new facility by April 2024. The commissioner/Secretary underscored the pivotal role of institutions like library, archives, archaeology and museums in fostering knowledge and preserving the rich heritage of Ladakh.

A comprehensive review of the works of Labour department at key locations such as Drass, Sankoo, Kargil, Chiktan, Zanskar, Khaltsi, Nubra, Leh, Kharu, and Durbuk was conducted by the Commissioner/Secretary, Kacho Mehboob. Stressing on the necessity of completing the works on 6 labour sarais he directed the respective Assistant Labour Commissioners and executing agency (Rural Engineering Department) to initiate steps to complete the remaining works by April so that the sarais are utilised in the coming working season.

Furthermore, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan scrutinized the status of various development works being executed by the PWD(Construction) Division, Leh, which included the Indus River Front devilment at Sindhu Ghat (Phase I and II) and the number of works under execution by the CPWD including Tourist Reception Centres, eco-parks, Cultural center, Convention center, River Fronts, Ski slopes spread across different parts of the UT.

Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan reiterated that timely and quality execution of work and completion of projects within the specified time are the hallmark of a professional and dedicated agency. He laid stress on professionalism, transparency, quality, and consultation with the user department during the preparation of the concept plans, DPRs, and execution. He exhorted the Engineers to come up to the expectations of the UT Administration and establish a name for the department/agency for which they work. He directed the CPWD to expedite the tendering processes and make presentations on the completed DPRs so that the accord of administrative approval is processed in time.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to propel Ladakh towards a future marked by cultural richness, sustainable tourism, and economic prosperity.