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Hindustan Times
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rich culture, centuries-old traditions are lifeline of Ladakh: LG Gupta
The lieutenant governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday said that the rich culture and centuries-old traditions were the lifeline of Ladakh, and it was imperative to keep the Ladakhi youngsters connected to their roots. Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta addresses 9th Ladakh dPal rNam Duston 2025 at NDS Stadium in Leh on Wednesday . (HT Photo) Addressing the 9th Ladakh dPal rNam Duston 2025 at NDS Stadium in Leh, Gupta stated that these were an effort to keep Ladakh's pride, glory and centuries-old rich culture and traditions alive. Acknowledging the stupendous developments in UT Ladakh post formation of Ladakh as a union territory after the abrogation of Article 370 on this very day in 2019, the LG reiterated the commitment of union government and UT administration to work for the welfare of the people of Ladakh, particularly in the preservation of its unique and rich culture and heritage along with language. He highlighted the need to pledge to keep the youth connected to their roots to safeguard Ladakh's unique culture and identity so that they can take pride in Ladakh's rich history and glory. He also emphasised the need to send students from Ladakh on cultural exchange tours so that the Ladakhi youth were acquainted with different cultures to celebrate the unity in diversity of India. Earlier, Ladakh Norskal- an initiative aimed at documenting and analysing historical sites across Ladakh, and Ladakh Homestay, were formally launched. A video documentary on the Month of Compassion, celebrating 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birth anniversary, along with a video highlighting the achievements of the 5th LAHDC Leh, were screened on the occasion. A play depicting the transformative story of Angulimala, a traditional costume show, dance performances by young artists from Ladakh, contemporary song and dance and a special performance by Indian Idol star Rito Riba were the major attractions of the event. The LG also conferred the Ladakh dPal rNam Award 2025 to Ven Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), for his illustrious career as a spiritual leader and humanitarian. Similarly, for his notable contribution as a scholar and lotsawa (translator), Prof Lobzang Tsewang was given the LAHDC lifetime achievement award, while Helena Norberg from Sweden, the founder of Local Futures, was awarded with LAHDC special award in recognition of her 50 years of deep and enduring service for the people of Ladakh. Special awards were given to Ishey Yangzom (tour and tourism), Moses Kunzang, JKAS (administration), Thupstan Shanfan (traditional knowledge and astrology), Ghulam Mustafa and Ghulam Mohiuddin (hospitality) and Ghulam Musa (public service). Addressing the gathering, CEC/chairman, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson highlighted various initiatives taken by the 5th Hill Council Leh for the welfare of the people of Ladakh, along with the initiative to celebrate 2025 as the Year of Compassion as part of the birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.


Time of India
19-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Jacket made from Siachen waste, drive to clean Indus — Army goes green
Jacket made from Siachen waste, drive to clean Indus SRINAGAR: The Indian army gifted a jacket made from recycled waste collected in the Siachen glacier region to Tashi Gyalson, the chief executive councillor (CEC) of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Leh earlier last week. The move is part of army's green initiative focused on 'innovative waste management and repurposing discarded materials from Siachen'. The CEC also informed Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 14 Corps of a drive to clean the Indus river and its tributaries. On June 19, alarmed by the presence of arsenic in the river, LAHDC-Leh announced a community-driven cleanliness campaign involving the army, paramilitary forces, ITBP, Border Roads Organisation, and local stakeholders. Gyalson said there was a need to explore partnerships to support self-help groups and promote alternative livelihoods for local communities. The two officers also discussed the potential use of poultry waste including hen feathers from local slaughterhouses to develop marketable products.


Time of India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Arsenic, plastic in Indus: Ladakh launches army-civilian cleaning drive
Denny generated AI image SRINAGAR: Alarmed by the unhealthy level of arsenic in the Indus waters, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) on Thursday decided to launch a large-scale community-driven cleanliness campaign involving Army, ITBP, BRO, local bodies, and the public. Recent water tests have revealed that the arsenic levels in the Indus waters are more than that found in treated sewage plants. Calling the findings 'deeply concerning and unacceptable,' LAHDC chairman Tashi Gyalson directed the Leh additional DC to form flying squads at the sub-divisional level to identify vulnerable stretches and prevent garbage dumping and the discharge of untreated sewage into the river. A district-level committee will monitor progress, oversee interventions, and formulate future strategies. Gyalson said, 'And more than that (arsenic), plastic dumping in the river has aggravated the pollution problem. We will not allow the river to become a dumping ground. This river is not just a waterbody. It is sacred, worshipped, and essential to life here.' He chaired a meeting attended by senior officials from civil administration, army, and ITBP, calling for an urgent coordinated action involving municipal committees, rural and urban development bodies, and the public. Representatives of the trade and hotel industries attended the meeting. Chief wildlife warden, Sajjad Mufti, has been directed to invoke relevant bylaws under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, or other applicable laws, to ensure strict penalties are slapped on flouters.


Time of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Opening of Galwan Valley for tourists on 5th anniversary of India-China troops clash delayed
Galwan Memorial (Photo: ANI) SRINAGAR: Plans to open Galwan Valley hot springs in Ladakh for tourists on the fifth anniversary of the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops have been delayed, as construction of the war memorial needs further work. 'We have deferred the official opening of the Galwan Valley until the memorial is completed in perfection, as that will be the main attraction. It is about to be completed, but needs a finishing touch,' Tashi Gyalson, chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), told TOI. Gyalson said LAHDC was also working on amending permit regulations to allow visitors without special permission. 'It is just a matter of a few days before Galwan Valley is opened to tourists,' he said. The Ladakh administration, in collaboration with the Indian Army, is at present working to build supporting infrastructure in the area. The Galwan Valley hot springs near the Line of Actual Control were set to open on June 15 as part of a battlefield tourism initiative. The date was meant to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2020 clash between Indian and PLA troops. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Twenty Indian soldiers, including a commanding officer, and an unspecified number of PLA men were killed in the hand-to-hand combat, which was one of the most serious military confrontations between the two countries in decades. Meanwhile, the Army on Monday paid tribute to soldiers who died in the Galwan clash with China. In a post on X, Ladakh based Fire and Fury Corps 'paid heartfelt tribute to the valour and supreme sacrifice of our bravehearts who stood resolute in the face of adversity'. 'The indomitable courage in Galwan Valley forever resonates in the hearts of every Indian. Nation honours their families with deep respect. Their sacrifice continues to inspire generations,' it added.


Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
LAHDC Kargil chairman meets Sitharaman, seeks ₹1,000 crore special package
Leh, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, the chairman and chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council , Kargil, met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here on Monday and submitted a memorandum, which among other things sought a special package of ₹1,000 crore to complete the vital infrastructure projects. Akhoon during the meeting presented a comprehensive memorandum outlining several key developmental and infrastructural demands concerning the Kargil district, an official said. The memorandum emphasized the urgent needs of the region and sought the Union Finance Ministry's intervention in key sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, governance and tourism, he added. The official said that a special package of ₹1,000 crore was requested to complete vital infrastructure projects stalled due to insufficient funding. The finances in Ladakh have become a big problem in the current financial year due to ₹1,266 crore worth cuts in the budget by the Finance Ministry. Among the other key demands presented include an upgradation of the existing 100-bed district hospital to a 200-bed hospital, establishment of a super specialty hospital or a Mini AIIMS and runway expansion and immediate commencement of civil air operations from Kargil, the official said. The chairman of LAHDC, Kargil, also demanded a separate women's college in Sankoo and immediate operationalization of the sanctioned engineering college with full faculty and infrastructure support. It was urged that funds allocated to the LAHDC be made non-lapsable to ensure efficient utilization and multi-year planning and enhancement of the LAHDC Capex grant to ₹500 crore annually. Akhoon also called for a dedicated tourism promotion fund to unlock the region's potential for eco, adventure and cultural tourism. He expressed deep appreciation to the Finance Ministry for its continued support to the Ladakh region and emphasized that fulfillment of these demands would play a transformative role in Kargil's future. Akhoon said a robust healthcare, educational infrastructure and financial empowerment of local bodies are essential for sustainable and inclusive development. Sitharaman, who is currently on a four-day visit to Ladakh, met Lieutenant Governor Brig B D Mishra and other senior officers of the UT administration earlier on Sunday. 'Lt Governor Brig B D Mishra and first lady Neelam Mishra met Finance Minister, who is on a four-day visit to Ladakh. The LG discussed various issues related to the development of Ladakh with the Finance Minister,' the LG's office said in a post on X. She virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation of several projects. On the third day of her visit, Sitharaman laid the foundation stone of Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe Hanle Dark Sky reserve in Hanle. The Union minister visited Rongdo Valley and Nyoma village. Sitharaman also visited Sindhu Ghat and offered prayers. She interacted with Padma Shri awardee and Thiksey Gompa head Thiksay Khenpo Rinpoche, and Hemis Gompa, a Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage, on Sunday. The Union minister also visited the exhibition of local handicrafts and handloom products by self-help groups and local entrepreneurs. She interacted with the artisans, women-led self-help groups and local entrepreneurs, who showcased traditional crafts, handloom textiles and sustainable innovations at their stalls. Sitharaman virtually inaugurated several developmental projects in Leh, reaffirming the Centre's commitment of inclusive growth and infrastructure development in the region.