PD&MD Secretary Reviews Tourism Projects, Orders Faster Execution Across Ladakh

LEH: To strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve visitor facilities across Ladakh, Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), Himanshu Gupta on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive review of tourism infrastructure projects being implemented under the Special Development Package (SDP) and State Sector Schemes, directing all executing agencies to accelerate work, maintain quality standards and ensure timely completion of projects.

The review meeting assessed the financial and physical progress of ongoing tourism projects during the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, with particular emphasis on removing implementation bottlenecks, expediting tendering processes and ensuring optimum utilisation of allocated funds.

Secretary, Tourism Department, Sanjeet Rodrigues informed the meeting that against the approved SDP outlay of Rs. 58.25 crore for 2026-27, the department has already utilised Rs 20.43 crore, registering 35.08 per cent expenditure during the first quarter, while Rs 37.81 crore remains available for ongoing and upcoming works.

A detailed presentation highlighted DDO-wise expenditure, agency-wise implementation, object head-wise financial status and the progress of works being executed across the Union Territory.

The Administrative Secretary undertook a project-wise review of several key tourism infrastructure initiatives, including the Leh Convention Centre, Tourist Pilgrimage Gathering Hall at Kobet Gompa, tourism asset development at Naushara, public parks, cafeterias with public conveniences, electrification of tourism facilities, infrastructure for the proposed Maha Sindhu Kumbh Mela along the Indus riverfront, Silk Route and Balti Bazaar development in Kargil, Zanskar Auditorium, Kargil Convention Centre, Petroglyph Park, restoration of Photang, development of the Cultural Centre at Leh, facilities at the Batalik War Memorial, and projects related to the Department of Libraries, Arts and Culture.

During the review, Himanshu Gupta examined the physical and financial progress of each project, including revised costs, tendering status, timelines, contractor’s performance and pending works. He sought explanations for delays wherever observed and instructed implementing agencies to fast-track slow-moving projects to ensure completion within stipulated deadlines.

Emphasising quality over speed, the Administrative Secretary stressed that Ladakh’s tourism infrastructure should be durable, sustainable and built to prescribed standards. He directed officers to ensure meticulous planning, quality construction and efficient execution while avoiding unnecessary cost escalations. Projects requiring revised administrative approvals or fund reallocations, he said, should be processed expeditiously to prevent delays.

Reviewing proposals for cafeterias and other tourism amenities, Gupta encouraged the Tourism Department to explore innovative operational models involving public participation and local entrepreneurship to ensure long-term sustainability and effective maintenance of such facilities. He also directed officials to complete pending tendering formalities within prescribed timelines.

The meeting also deliberated on strengthening visitor amenities through improved parking management, CCTV surveillance at major tourist destinations, maintenance of iconic sites such as Shanti Stupa, preservation of monasteries and enhanced infrastructure for pilgrimage and heritage tourism across Ladakh.

Providing an update on the much-awaited Petroglyph Park, Secretary Tourism informed the meeting that the project is progressing satisfactorily and is expected to be inaugurated by September 2026, subject to the release of the remaining funds.

The Administrative Secretary also reviewed issues relating to GST compliance, project handover procedures, inter-departmental approvals and coordination among implementing agencies. He advised the Tourism Department to place policy-related matters before the competent authority without delay to facilitate timely decisions.

Concluding the review, Gupta underscored the importance of close coordination among executing agencies and line departments to eliminate implementation hurdles, maximise utilisation of available resources and achieve the targeted physical and financial progress during the current financial year. He reiterated that regular monitoring, timely tendering and adherence to quality standards are essential for creating world-class tourism infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism development in Ladakh.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Tourism Sanjeet Rodrigues, Director Tourism Tsering Paldan, Chief Planning Officer Konchok Gyalson, Joint Director Planning Tsering Angdus, Executive Engineers, Assistant Directors and other concerned officers.