Governor, N N Vohra, has stressed that development of high quality infrastructure is essential for making tourism a sustainable avocation in Leh region. He expressed satisfaction that during the preceding year, a tourist arrival of 50,000 was recorded, 60 per cent among whom were foreigners.
Inaugurating Ladakh Festival at a scintillating function at Leh, the Governor observed that the State Government supported the need for relaxation in granting Inner-Line Permits to foreign tourists in Ladakh and opening of more tourist circuits, particularly in Nyuma, Nubra and Khalste in the region, in view of growing influx of tourists. He added that this matter is presently under consideration of the Central Government.
The Ladakh Festival is being organized since 1985 to showcase the virgin scenic splendour of the region which is popularly known as the "Land of Endless Discovery".
The Governor also observed that the issue of the opening of the route through Damchuk for border trade and pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar through Ladakh is being pursued with the Centre by the State Government.
After taking over as Governor of the State, this was first visit of Mr Vohra to Ladakh. He announced that the Government was working on introducing three new events relating to wild life, a film festival and an agri-expo. He also stressed for bringing Ladakh's scenic beauty and adventure potential on the international tourist canvas.
In his inaugural address, the Governor reiterated commitment of the State Government for stepping up the tempo of development in the Leh region, particularly in the infrastructure sector. He announced an additionality of Rs 10 crores to Leh district's annual plan 2008-09, currently pegged at Rs 60 crores.
Highlighting importance of power sector in the development context of Leh, the Governor observed that the preparatory work for taking up mini hydel projects through the Public Private Participation (PPP) route will be expedited and the work on the geo-thermal project at Puga will be initiated and completed on a time bound basis. Indicating that Nimo-Bazgo Project is likely to be completed by 2011-12, he stressed for required transmission and distribution elements being timely put in place.
Earlier, the Governor held a meeting with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and was briefed by Chewang Dorjee, Chief Executive Councilor of the Council about the developmental scenario.
A number of issues were discussed in the meeting including, inter alia, amendment to the LAHDC Act so as to give more powers to the Council, particularly relating to its administrative control over the staff. The Governor took a serious note of the large number of vacancies in Health and Engineering Departments and ordered immediate arrangements for filling up the vacancies.
Inaugurating Ladakh Festival at a scintillating function at Leh, the Governor observed that the State Government supported the need for relaxation in granting Inner-Line Permits to foreign tourists in Ladakh and opening of more tourist circuits, particularly in Nyuma, Nubra and Khalste in the region, in view of growing influx of tourists. He added that this matter is presently under consideration of the Central Government.
The Ladakh Festival is being organized since 1985 to showcase the virgin scenic splendour of the region which is popularly known as the "Land of Endless Discovery".
The Governor also observed that the issue of the opening of the route through Damchuk for border trade and pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar through Ladakh is being pursued with the Centre by the State Government.
After taking over as Governor of the State, this was first visit of Mr Vohra to Ladakh. He announced that the Government was working on introducing three new events relating to wild life, a film festival and an agri-expo. He also stressed for bringing Ladakh's scenic beauty and adventure potential on the international tourist canvas.
In his inaugural address, the Governor reiterated commitment of the State Government for stepping up the tempo of development in the Leh region, particularly in the infrastructure sector. He announced an additionality of Rs 10 crores to Leh district's annual plan 2008-09, currently pegged at Rs 60 crores.
Highlighting importance of power sector in the development context of Leh, the Governor observed that the preparatory work for taking up mini hydel projects through the Public Private Participation (PPP) route will be expedited and the work on the geo-thermal project at Puga will be initiated and completed on a time bound basis. Indicating that Nimo-Bazgo Project is likely to be completed by 2011-12, he stressed for required transmission and distribution elements being timely put in place.
Earlier, the Governor held a meeting with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and was briefed by Chewang Dorjee, Chief Executive Councilor of the Council about the developmental scenario.
A number of issues were discussed in the meeting including, inter alia, amendment to the LAHDC Act so as to give more powers to the Council, particularly relating to its administrative control over the staff. The Governor took a serious note of the large number of vacancies in Health and Engineering Departments and ordered immediate arrangements for filling up the vacancies.
