Zanskar delegation urges LG to fast-track LAHDC Polls, Airstrip and Connectivity

ZANSKAR: Representatives of five civil society and community organisations in Zanskar have sought early elections to the proposed LAHDC Zanskar, preferably before the Panchayat polls, along with expedited construction of the proposed airstrip and time-bound action on connectivity, transport, education and land-related issues.

A joint delegation of the Zangskar Buddhist Association (ZBA), Zangskar Gonpa Association, Nambardar Association, ZBA Youth Wing and Ama Tsogspa (Women Association) submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on September 15 during his visit to the region for the 11th Ladakh Zanskar Festival.

Zanskar was among five new districts notified by the UT Administration in April 2026, taking Ladakh’s total number of districts to seven. The festival was the first edition held after Zanskar was granted district status.

On the proposed LAHDC Zanskar, the delegation sought early elections and a fair and transparent delimitation process based on population, geographical area, distance, terrain, accessibility and the interests of villages and regions. It also called for safeguards against remote and difficult-to-access areas being disadvantaged during delimitation.

The delegation’s infrastructure demands included immediate administrative approval and expedited execution of the proposed Zanskar airstrip at Ufti Thang. It said the facility would be important for connectivity during winter road closures, emergency medical evacuation, tourism and economic activity, and urged the authorities to expedite regulatory clearances and construction.

The memorandum also referred to connectivity projects, including the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road and NH-301 Kargil–Zanskar Highway, which were highlighted by the LG during his September 15 visit.

The representatives also raised concerns relating to Rangdum and Shingkula, seeking administrative and security measures concerning what they described as the territorial and traditional interests of Zanskar residents.

On social policy, the groups sought closure of existing bars and liquor establishments across Zanskar and opposed granting fresh permissions. They said religious leaders and civil society representatives had conveyed a collective demand on the issue and that a separate representation had been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Zanskar, with a copy to the Excise Department.

For local transport, the delegation demanded a dedicated Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) at the district headquarters and five electric buses for internal routes.

The memorandum also sought early operationalisation of BSNL mobile services, stating that infrastructure installations had been completed but services remained non-operational. It called for final technical integration, power connections and testing.

Education featured prominently in the memorandum, with the groups seeking the immediate posting of a qualified Boti lecturer at Government Degree College, Zanskar, citing the language’s cultural and historical importance to the region.

The delegation further sought changes to the draft LAHDC (Nautor Regulation) Rules, 2026, seeking provisions for clear and practical land titles for tribal farmers while taking into account high-altitude conditions.

The organisations expressed gratitude to the Centre and UT Administration for creating Zanskar district and proposing the LAHDC, describing both as long-standing aspirations of the region.

The memorandum was signed by representatives of the five organisations and circulated to senior officials, including those handling revenue, higher education, transport, excise, administration and policing.

The delegation requested the Lieutenant Governor to accord priority to the issues and direct the concerned departments to undertake appropriate and time-bound action.