One-day awareness programme on holistic village development under the ecotourism project was organised by Ladakh Environment and Health Organisation (LEHO) on December 6 at Chiktan. Homestay material was also distributed to the owners of the homestays of Chiktan.

10 number of homestays were established under this project along with one Village Craft and Cafe stall, formation of one group as a village tour operator, as well as the appointment of one village coordinator for proper follow-up of the ecotourism project in the village.

The programme was graced by SDM Shakar Chiktan, Abdul Gaffar Zargar, and BDC Chiktan along with the Sarpanch and Panch of the villages.

Tashi Thokmat, Dy. Director LEHO emphasised the need for holistic development through a tourism project that not only focuses on the importance of decentralizing tourism in Ladakh but also focuses on preserving and promoting agriculture, Handicrafts, and traditional artifacts boosting local economic sustainability.

SDM thanked Dr. Deen and the whole team of LEHO for establishing 10 homestays and providing high-level quality material to the homestay owners of Chiktan. He said he is impressed that this project is not only focused on Homestay establishment but also plans to promote agriculture, handicrafts, and sustainable development of villages with a thrust on giving wide publicity to attract tourists to the village.

He also expressed that tourism promotion activities are in the pipeline for Chiktan belt such as the renovation of famous Chiktan Razi Khar, proper maintenance/black topping of Chiktan road, etc.

BDC Chiktan also thanked LEHO Dr. Deen, and the whole team for bringing the ecotourism project to the village. The programme ended with the flag-off of the homestay materials by the chief guest SDM Chiktan.