The administration has launched a series of transformative projects aimed at strengthening irrigation, improving ease of doing business, expanding green cover and creating sustainable economic opportunities in the high-altitude region.
BY PC Bureau
June 22: Marking 100 days of the current administration in the Union Territory of Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday highlighted a series of initiatives undertaken across sectors including water security, environmental protection, economic development, governance reforms and rural livelihoods.
Addressing the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration had focused on delivering practical and sustainable solutions tailored to Ladakh’s unique geographical and climatic conditions. He described the first 100 days as a period of decisive action aimed at building a resilient, self-reliant and prosperous Ladakh.
Focus on Economic Growth and Livelihoods
To strengthen the local economy, the administration introduced several reforms in the tourism sector, including a unified registration system and simplification of licensing procedures for tourism-related establishments.
Hotels and guest houses were granted industry status, enabling them to avail lower utility tariffs and tax benefits. In addition, 23 government services were integrated onto a single digital platform to improve ease of doing business and reduce procedural delays.
In a major boost to horticulture, the administration facilitated an agreement with global retail conglomerate Lulu International for the export of 1,000 metric tonnes of premium Ladakhi apricots to international markets. Another agreement with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) aims to create assured markets for locally produced food items through cooperative societies, strengthening rural incomes.
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Water Security Measures Intensified
Recognising water scarcity as one of Ladakh’s most pressing challenges, the administration launched several projects aimed at ensuring long-term water availability.
Among the flagship initiatives is Project Him Sarovar, which envisages the creation of glacier-fed reservoirs to store snowmelt and improve water availability for agriculture and domestic use. The first reservoir under the project was recently inaugurated at Spituk Pharka in Leh.
The administration also operationalised the 43-kilometre-long Igoo-Phey Canal and the 2.1-kilometre Mahey Canal to improve irrigation coverage in remote villages.
Under the Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan, eco-friendly rock check dams are being constructed along the Indus River and its tributaries to enhance groundwater recharge and mitigate seasonal water shortages. The first Himalayan Rock Check Dam has already been completed, with additional structures planned.
Efforts have also been made to restore the historic spring-fed T-Trench water body, which is expected to strengthen drinking water supply for nearly 2,000 households. Further, an agreement with the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been signed to provide tap water connections to all rural households in Ladakh with full central funding support.
Environmental Conservation and Climate Resilience
Environmental sustainability has remained a central focus of the administration’s agenda.
The Indus River Green Corridor Initiative has been launched to create green buffers along the Indus River and improve ecological resilience. Large-scale plantation drives under the Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert Urban Forestry and Food Forest Initiative have also been undertaken, particularly in Drass.
More than 35,000 saplings have been planted across Ladakh over the past three months as part of efforts to expand green cover and strengthen biodiversity.
The administration has additionally initiated a project to reclaim nearly 800 acres of barren land in Leh using water-conservation and land-restoration techniques. Community-led cleanliness campaigns and efforts to promote renewable energy projects, including solar and geothermal energy, have also been intensified.
As I complete 100 days of service, as the Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, I reflect on this land’s unparalleled beauty and uniqueness. Ladakh, with its tough geographical terrain and fragile ecosystem, demands simple yet scientific solutions to safeguard its sensitive… pic.twitter.com/Ykq1lSE5Ja
— LG Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) June 21, 2026
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Governance Reforms and Social Initiatives
Several governance and social welfare measures have also been introduced during the period.
Five new districts have been notified to improve administrative accessibility and bring government services closer to residents. The administration has also signed an agreement with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) for preparation of Ladakh’s first comprehensive Master Plan.
Work has begun on developing Chumur village near the Indo-China border as Ladakh’s first model border village under the Vibrant Village Programme.
In a significant labour welfare reform, wages of daily-rated and part-time workers have been substantially increased, benefiting thousands of workers across the Union Territory.
The administration has also allowed renewal of expired land lease deeds in residential colonies, providing legal security to property holders. Additionally, restrictions affecting career progression of government employees appointed against lower educational qualification posts have been removed, enabling eligible employees to compete for graduate-level recruitment opportunities.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The Lieutenant Governor described the achievements of the first 100 days as “only the beginning” of Ladakh’s development journey. He said the administration would continue to focus on addressing challenges arising from difficult terrain, fragile ecology and climate change through innovative and community-driven solutions.
He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their continued support and guidance in advancing developmental initiatives in Ladakh.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, the Lieutenant Governor said future efforts would focus on strengthening infrastructure, environmental sustainability, economic opportunities and quality of life for the people of Ladakh.
