Kargil, November 15: Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture, and Information & Public Relations, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, chaired an extensive review meeting in Kargil to assess the progress of key heritage conservation, tourism development and cultural infrastructure projects across the district. Thrust was laid on well researched proposals and projects aimed at extending the stay of an average tourist in Kargil. The meeting, held today at Conference Hall Baroo, brought together senior officials from multiple departments and executing agencies.
The review began with a detailed presentation on the Conservation and Preservation of Old Bazar Kargil as the Silk Route Market. The Secretary examined the structural details and overall progress of the heritage market redevelopment and directed that the project must be completed within the stipulated timeline, setting October 30, 2026 as the final deadline. He emphasized strict adherence to the approved proposal and heritage conservation guidelines, stating that no deviation or violation of the design framework would be permitted.
A comprehensive presentation under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Programme was made on the Hunderman Broq project, including a short clip showcasing proposed infrastructure, architectural designs, site plan and the Sangam View Point. The Secretary instructed the concerned Executive Engineer and Consultant to submit an improved and more creative revised design within three days, ensuring that the redesign incorporates local inputs and aligns with the cultural character of the region.
The Draupadi Kund Project in Drass was also reviewed. Similarly, in the review of the ambitious long pending demand of Convention and Kargil Cultural Centre at Kargil, the Secretary examined the presentation by Executive Engineer, CPWD and instructed that the tender document must include a provision requiring the selected agency to operate the Kargil Cultural Centre & Convention Centre for a minimum of ten years to ensure long-term functionality and public utility.
He also reviewed the construction of the proposed Museum at Trespone, the Water Screen Projection Multimedia Show at the Tourist Facilitation Centre Kargil, and the physical and financial progress of major tourism projects in the district. The Secretary directed all departments to expedite pending works and clearly reflect any additional financial requirements. He further reviewed the realignment proposal of the road to Karchey Khar village and adjoining heritage sites and called for the early renovation of the Chamba structure at Mulbekh.
The Secretary along with the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil along with revenue officials have fixed a site visit to identify suitable land for the development of a Petroglyphs Park at Kargil so as to add another dimension to tourism here. Ongoing works at Sher Bagh and Bagh projects were also reviewed..
The Secretary issued several administrative directions, emphasizing that every department must prepare detailed DPRs and proper presentations for each project and ensure that new infrastructure possesses meaningful utility to avoid the creation of dead assets. A proposal directed towards adoption of uniform signage across Ladakh for all heritage monuments and tourist places is also on the anvil.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Tsewang Thinlas, SE PWD; Er. Mansoor Hussain, Executive Engineer R&B Kargil; Er. Syed Mehdi, Executive Engineer KDA; Arifa Iqbal Executive Officer Municipal Committee; Nazir Hussain, Deputy Secretary Culture; Sanjay Kumar Pal, Executive Engineer CPWD; Mohd Ali Tak, Assistant Director Tourism; Nargis Bano, CEO KDA; Shamim Ahmed, AO KDA; Khadim Hussain, Deputy Director Archives; AEE; District Librarian; and various officers from Archives, KDA, Tourism, Culture, R&B, and related departments.
