Zanskar, July 16 : During his maiden visit to Zanskar Sub-Division’s Headquarters in Padum, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Imteeaz Kacho reviewed the arrangements put in place by the Sub-Divisional Administration and the organizers in connection with the forthcoming visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Zanskar.
The meeting was attended by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Mohammad Hassan, Sub-Divisional Officers, SHO-Zanskar, Ven. Gashes Lobzang Tsetan and President of Zanskar Buddhist Association (ZBA).
The ADC took stock of the preparedness by first seeking inputs and feedback from the Nodal Officers appointed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to handle various assignments like repair & renovation, transportation, water supply, electricity supply, medical support, security and traffic management, communication, sanitation, control room management, etc.
While appreciating the sincere efforts being put in by the SDM, Nodal Officers and the organizers, Kacho stated that there is ample scope for improvement. He impressed upon the officers to utilize the opportunity to project Zanskar as an efficient Sub-Division capable of hosting huge gatherings and organizing important large-scale events of international significance.
He emphasized that Kargil District is fortunate for being blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the District Administration will put in the best possible efforts to make his stay comfortable. He highlighted the fact that the devotees coming from different corners of the Union Territory should also be made to feel at home.
Finally, he directed the participants of the meeting to make fool-proof arrangements and ensure efficient service delivery. Instructions were also passed for putting up departmental stalls not very far from the venues of sermons of his holiness.
Later on, the Additional Deputy Commissioner visited the old and new Photangs (the places of stay of His Holiness) and took stock of the renovation works being executed as well as the arrangements put in place. He was also shown the parking lots reserved/earmarked for devotees and visitors. The traffic plan was also deliberated upon in detail. He finally took stock of the works at the new Photang being executed by the Zanskar Development Authority (ZDA) in Karsha. The management of the Photang, led by Ven. Gashes Lobzang Tsetan, was appreciative of the District Administration’s efforts.
Kacho, who also holds the additional charge of Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority of Zanskar (ZDA) subsequently visited the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Padum and reviewed the projects being executed by the authority under State Development Package (SDP) and Capex. The Executive Engineer and his team gave a detailed outline of all the projects in the pipeline. He appreciated the good work being done by the authority and passed instructions for early completion of ongoing works.
While stressing on the need to make buildings as winter friendly as possible, he said that environmental concerns should also be kept in mind in the process of infrastructural development. While advocating the use of mudbricks, he urged that construction of public conveniences and roadside amenities should receive utmost priority.
He advised that the projects which were facing land and other disputes should be immediately brought into the notice of the Revenue authorities.
Later on, Kacho visited his Office in the ZDA Complex and took stock of the functioning of the various sections. He also interacted with the staff of ZDA and impressed upon them to put in their best efforts for result-oriented administration.
Kacho also visited the under-construction site of the Revenue Department’s Complex which houses the Office of the Tehsildar and other officials as well as as Conference Hall. He was accompanied by the SDM and Officials of the Public Works Department (PWD). He also visited the Office of the SDM and inspected his quarter.
Subsequently, Kacho visited the site of the construction of Staff Quarter of Tehsil Information Centre (TIC) in his capacity as Joint Director, Information. He was accompanied by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Junior Engineer, PWD. He was apprised about the timelines involved in the execution of the project. He also discussed various issues of the TIC with the staff.
