Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, said that Ladakh had been subjected to neglect and discrimination for decades, but the long-pending aspiration of its people was fulfilled when the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, granted Union Territory status to Ladakh.
The Lt Governor was speaking during a felicitation programme organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad in Jammu today.
The Lieutenant Governor said that Ladakh is “far more beautiful than Switzerland” and has the potential to emerge as the world’s most sought-after tourism destination. Highlighting new initiatives, he stated that Siachen and Galwan are also being developed to promote tourism, thereby offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the unmatched natural beauty as well as the spirit of courage and sacrifice associated with Ladakh’s frontier regions.
He further vowed to promote adventure tourism, spiritual tourism and religious tourism and winter tourism in Ladakh, positioning the Union Territory as a complete tourism package that blends thrill, tranquillity and faith.
The Lt Governor said that the Central Government has entrusted him with the new responsibility of serving as the head of Ladakh UT. “There are several challenges before us, but I firmly believe that massive change will be witnessed in Ladakh in the coming years,” he assured. “I am determined to ensure that Ladakh not only showcases its breathtaking landscapes, but also its rich heritage, vibrant culture and traditions before the world,” he said.
The Lt Governor added that the UT Administration, with the active support of the Central Government, is working tirelessly to upgrade infrastructure, improve connectivity and promote eco-friendly tourism so that visitors from across the globe experience the unparalleled charm of Ladakh.
He emphasised that the UT Administration is committed to inclusive growth, improved infrastructure, and better services while safeguarding Ladakh’s cultural heritage and fragile ecology. “Our vision is to build a sustainable and empowered Ladakh,” the Lt Governor added.
Meanwhile, the Lt Governor also released a Directory of Mahajan Sabha Channi Himmat at a function held here.
The Sabha members highlighted the Sabha’s work, particularly its social service activities.
It was informed that the directory comprises the biodata of 682 Mahajan families.
The Lt Governor also felicitated the community members for their social service and lauded the Mahajan Sabha for its efforts.
The participants observed two minutes’ silence in memory of the victims of the cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua districts.
