Kargil, April 13: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, today laid the foundation stone for the development and beautification of rGyal Khatoon Park and Sher Bagh Park at Kargil. Both parks will be developed under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme.
The rGyal Khatoon Park project is being developed at a cost of 2.98 crores and will be completed in a period of 18 months. The park covers an area of 25,250 sq. metres (2.525 Ha). Adjacent to this park at a short distance is the Sher Bagh located in Baroo, which is also being developed at a cost of 2.98 crores and will be completed in a period of 18 months. The area of the park is 34190 sq. metres (3.419 Ha).
Both parks offer food paths, water facilities, lighting, play equipment for children, CCTV cameras, waterfalls, and other necessary requirements.
The Park was named rGyal Khatoon in memory of the mother of a famous king of the Suru Karchay region, Khree Mohammad Sultan Cho. rGyal Khatoon, who later came to be known as Thila Khatoon, was the daughter of Sheikh Murad and sister of the famous Ali Sher Khan Anchan of the Yabgo dynasty of Khapulu, currently in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor extended warm greetings to the people of Kargil and congratulated them on the launch of this important urban development initiative. He stated that the development of these parks would not only serve the residents of Kargil but would also enhance the experience of tourists visiting the region.
He said the parks will be developed with modern civic amenities and well-planned infrastructure, including well-laid walking and jogging pathways, landscaped green spaces, seating areas, children’s play zones, and improved lighting and beautification works, ensuring a comfortable and vibrant public space for all age groups.
The Lieutenant Governor remarked that just as the snow-clad mountains of Kargil add unmatched beauty to the region, collective efforts are equally important to keep the surroundings clean, well-maintained, and aesthetically enriched. He urged citizens to take responsibility for preserving the beauty and cleanliness of public spaces.
He further stated that the development of such recreational spaces will significantly promote tourism and improve the overall urban environment of Kargil.
The Lieutenant Governor also said that he would visit Kargil Bazaar and review the development needs of Kargil town. He emphasised the need for holistic urban development and stated that discussions in this regard would be held with the Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, and Member of Parliament for Ladakh, Mohmad Hanifa Jan, to further strengthen development planning for the region.
Earlier, a plantation drive was organised by the Forest Department, Union Territory of Ladakh, at Bemathang, where the Lieutenant Governor planted saplings as part of the initiative to enhance green cover and promote environmental conservation in the region.
