NDC-66 delegation meets Chief Secy Kundra, discusses Ladakh’s devp, infrastructure and strategic challenges

LEH: Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, briefed a National Defence College (NDC-66) delegation in Leh on Tuesday on the region’s infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, environmental challenges and strategic importance, while stressing closer coordination between the civil administration, Armed Forces and local communities.

The delegation, comprising senior officers from the Armed Forces as well as civil and foreign services, interacted with Kundra at the Council Secretariat, Leh. The NDC’s 66th course is a 47-week programme designed to provide senior officers with a broad understanding of national security and strategy, including economic, political, military and other dimensions.

During the interaction, infrastructure development, tourism, air and road connectivity, environment, water conservation and renewable energy figured prominently in discussions, alongside issues linked to Ladakh’s strategic location.

Kundra outlined the progress made in infrastructure development while drawing attention to the operational and logistical challenges posed by the region’s harsh winters. He cited heated hostel facilities as an example of measures aimed at improving winter preparedness and living conditions.

Tourism was discussed in the context of sustainable growth, with attention to trekking, ecological pressures and road connectivity. The Chief Secretary also stressed the need for an appropriate regulatory framework to support tourism while accounting for Ladakh’s fragile environment.

Air connectivity was another area of discussion, with the delegation being apprised of the need to strengthen domestic and international links to support tourism and broader economic development in the Union Territory.

The potential of solar energy in Ladakh and its economic viability were also discussed, reflecting the region’s scope for renewable-energy development.

On water conservation, Kundra highlighted measures aimed at preserving natural water resources, including the use of Ice Stupas in remote areas. The initiatives were discussed in the context of water security in a high-altitude region where winter conditions and limited water availability pose recurring challenges.

The delegation also discussed the GI tagging of traditional Ladakh products, along with the Indus River and the Kailash route, bringing together economic, cultural, environmental and strategic aspects of the region.

Kundra further emphasised the continuing coordination between the civil administration and the Armed Forces, particularly their engagement with local communities. He stressed the need to strengthen community participation to address emerging challenges and support sustainable development.