Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra Reviews Road Connectivity
Higher Education and Tourism Development in Zanskar
22/02/2026
Kargil, February 22 (KIP)- The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, during his visit to Zanskar Sub-Division, conducted a series of review meetings focusing on road connectivity, higher education infrastructure, traffic regulations and tourism development.
The Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra met with officials of Unit 126 RCC (GREF), where Commandant Y.S. Tomar briefed him on the status of the NPD Road and LPN Road, including completed stretches, remaining portions, and overall connectivity progress. He also presented a detailed update on the Shinkula Tunnel project, outlining its salient features, construction progress, and the challenges posed by difficult terrain and harsh climatic conditions.
The Commandant further apprised the Chief Secretary about road safety measures, traffic regulation mechanisms, and the current status of road accidents along the route.
Taking note of traffic-related concerns, the Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, and SSP Kargil, Nitin Yadav, to coordinate closely with BRO authorities to ensure proper traffic regulation. He emphasized the issuance of clear traffic advisories, particularly for the Shinkula route, to facilitate safe and smooth vehicular movement. He drew parallel with the Zoji La pass where there is perfect coordination between Jammu Kashmir police and Ladakh for seamless movement . The same SOP should be notified in this case to avoid any confusion or harassment . DC was given directions accordingly.
During his visit, the Chief Secretary also inspected Government Degree College Zanskar and reviewed the status of infrastructure, ongoing and completed projects, institutional capacity, and academic utility.
Principal, Dr. Amjed Ali Abassi briefed him about the establishment of the college, land acquisition, development of academic blocks, student enrollment, subjects offered, and staff strength.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need to introduce vocational and skill-based courses aligned with employment generation. He encouraged the promotion of entrepreneurship development, artificial intelligence (AI)-oriented programs, and advanced skill courses to enhance students’ employability in line with emerging educational trends.
The Principal placed several demands before the Chief Secretary, including the introduction of postgraduate (PG) courses, establishment of an incubation center, adequate fund allocation, and faculty training programs in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Later, the Chief Secretary met four Councillors of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil (LAHDC Kargil) from Zanskar Sub-Division, including Executive Councillor Punchok Tashi, Councillor Stanzin Lakpa, Stanzin Jigmath, and a nominated Councillor Namgyal Phuntsok. The meeting deliberated on various developmental initiatives and explored opportunities to strengthen tourism, particularly adventure tourism, in the region.
Executive Councillor Punchok Tashi highlighted the identification of land for civil airport and stressed the need to prevent land encroachment. He also raised concerns regarding Shinkula traffic regulation and requested the issuance of proper advisories. Additionally, he sought improvements in power supply infrastructure for immediate ease like DJ power set.
Councillor Stanzin Lakpa raised issues related to land mutation and registry, seeking administrative intervention for timely resolution and tourism infrastructure development to promote tourism in Zanskar.
Addressing the Councillors, the Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra underscored the importance of preserving Zanskar’s rich and organic cultural heritage. He emphasized that while tourism has immense potential to boost the local economy, it must be promoted in a manner that safeguards the region’s cultural identity and originality. He noted that sustainable tourism development requires collaboration with industry stakeholders and a progressive approach, while maintaining cultural preservation as a priority.
Following the meeting, various delegations met the Chief Secretary and submitted memorandums highlighting their concerns and demands. The Chief Secretary assured them that all genuine issues would be examined and addressed appropriately.