The administration is preparing a comprehensive master plan for the overall development of the union territory in collaboration with the Delhi-based College of Planning and Architecture, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena said on Friday.
This will be the first master plan for UT.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with SPA in Delhi to develop a master plan for Ladakh. All aspects, including promoting tourism while preserving local architecture, a strong transport system, and stopping unplanned construction, will be included in the master plan,” Saxena told reporters during an interaction at the Leh Secretariat.
It will conduct an assessment of demographic, economic, environmental and transportation parameters at the city and regional levels. “The master plan will include modern tools and technologies, such as artificial intelligence and geographic information systems, to monitor climate change and its associated vulnerabilities and their impacts,” Saxena said.
He emphasized that buildings in UT are currently being constructed haphazardly due to lack of guidelines for construction activities in Ladakh.
Saxena, who took charge as Ladakh LG on March 13, said he held a series of meetings with local administration officials, Ladakh-based bodies and other stakeholders to discuss steps for development of the UT.
“My aim is to promote tourism in Ladakh in a way that benefits the local communities while positioning it as a world-leading destination for adventure tourism, spirituality and wellness. Since Ladakh has a very fragile environment and water scarcity, we are working in this direction as well. As an experiment, we brought from Delhi and planted gulmohar, neem and bamboo trees here to see if we can increase the green cover, which is only 0.4%,” said Saxena, who was previously Delhi LG and said during the period 2022-2026.
“I have set a target of increasing Ladakh’s green cover to 5% within two years,” he said, adding that authorities have planted 7,000 saplings in UT in just the last 40 to 50 days.
Saxena also said that the administration is developing a ‘Valley of Flowers’, where a wide range of flowers that can withstand extreme weather conditions, including extreme cold and low oxygen levels, will be grown. He said that the two sites in Wari La and Choglamsar will be developed into vibrant flower areas by the end of June, expressing his hope that these areas will serve as an attraction for tourists.
These initiatives will not only help boost tourism but will also provide employment opportunities.
Pointing out the chronic water scarcity in the highland region, Saxena highlighted the ‘Hem Sarovar’ project that will see the construction of 50 ponds (each measuring 40 x 30 metres) to harvest melting glaciers.
“It is directly linked to water security in Ladakh and will play a crucial role in addressing irrigation challenges faced by farmers who depend on limited water sources. The Sarovar project will not only meet irrigation needs but will also generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The project is being designed using scientific methods, keeping in mind the fragile ecosystem and climatic conditions of Ladakh,” Saxena said.
He said the initiative had strong support from various stakeholders, including the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organization (BRO) and local residents.
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