Admin reviews security, logistics ahead of HH Dalai Lama’s visit

LEH: The Leh administration on Friday reviewed security, traffic, medical and logistical arrangements for the forthcoming visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, scheduled to arrive in Ladakh on June 28, with officials directing departments to ensure seamless coordination ahead of the high-profile spiritual event.

A high-level preparatory meeting chaired by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Leh, Delex Namgyal, brought together representatives of religious bodies, law enforcement agencies and key departments to assess readiness and streamline arrangements for the visit, which is expected to attract large numbers of devotees.

The meeting focused on route planning, security deployment, crowd management, traffic regulation and inter-departmental coordination to ensure the programme is conducted smoothly and with due protocol.

Among those present were the Presidents of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA), Chief Medical Officer Leh, Additional Superintendent of Police Leh, Chief Representative Officer of the Tibetan Refugee community, and officials from the Traffic Police, Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering Department, Municipal Committee and other departments.

LBA President Tsering Dorjay Lakrook outlined key requirements related to the visit and informed the meeting that further coordination meetings would be held in the coming days to finalise arrangements. The association was asked to submit a detailed list of requirements to facilitate coordinated action by the concerned departments.

Medical preparedness also came under review, with the Health Department directed to ensure adequate deployment of medical personnel and emergency response facilities during the visit.

Officials stressed the need for maintaining cleanliness and civic amenities at all venues associated with the programme, including Jivetsal, where teachings are expected to be held, and the residence of His Holiness. Departments concerned were instructed to ensure proper sanitation, water supply and upkeep of the venues.

The administration also decided to convene another review meeting to assess security enhancement measures, including verification of CCTV surveillance systems, vehicle pass management and access control arrangements.

Preliminary discussions were also held on preparations for the 91st birthday celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on July 6. Stakeholders underscored the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the occasion is observed in a befitting manner.