Kargil, February 22, 2026: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, during his tour to Sub-Division Zanskar, visited Kargyak village — the last inhabited village of Zanskar — where he attended a Public Darbar and interacted extensively with local residents and public representatives.
At Kargyak, the Chief Secretary was warmly welcomed by Councillor, Cha Constituency, Stazin Lakpa, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for his visit to the far-flung and remote villages of Zanskar despite harsh weather conditions. The Councillor remarked that the Chief Secretary’s presence reflected the commitment of the UT Administration towards ensuring governance at the doorstep of the people.
During the interaction, Councillor Lakpa raised several key issues and demands. He requested the installation of a DG set to strengthen power supply for Testa village and sought the transition line power supply from the Raru Power Project for Testa and Kargyak villages. Highlighting the shortage of manpower, he also demanded the posting of a lineman in the area. He further emphasized the need for proper traffic regulation at Shinkula and extended gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the Central Government for various developmental initiatives undertaken in Zanskar. He also thanked the UT Administration, district administration Kargil, and various departments for their support.
Underscoring the strategic importance of the Nimmo-Padum-Darcha (NPD) Road, Councillor Stanzin Lakpa requested the Chief Secretary to declare it a project of national importance. He also urged the Administration to combat the menace of drugs and proposed shifting police check posts closer to the Himachal border on the NPD road, before entry into the villages, to ensure better regulation and monitoring.
The villagers of Kargyak showcased vibrant cultural performances to welcome the Chief Secretary. Several delegations also submitted memorandums highlighting their local concerns and developmental requirements.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra thanked the villagers for their warm reception and reaffirmed that the Administration is fully committed to the welfare and holistic development of the region. He directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to prepare a schedule for regular field visits by officers and officials of various departments to closely monitor developmental works and promptly address public grievances.
During his tour, the Chief Secretary also visited Cha village of Lungnak Block, where Councillor Stanzin Lakpa requested priority sanction of the Puktal Bridge and improvement and upgradation of the Pipche link road. Various delegations from Cha village submitted memorandums outlining their developmental needs.
At Raru village, the Chief Secretary interacted with local delegations who raised demands related to irrigation canals, link roads, strengthening of educational infrastructure, separate power transmission lines, and upgradation of the medical centre.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra also visited the Raru Hydroelectric Power Project (KREDA) (2×1000 KV) and reviewed its utility, power generation, and consumption status with concerned officials. He further inspected the 220 KV GIS Sub-Station and Progress Line-2, where officials informed him that the project is expected to be made functional before the end of October, which will significantly ease power supply in the region.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary visited the ice skiing site in Zanskar and interacted with members of the Zanskar Ski School. The members highlighted the need for skill-based training courses and the organization of skiing tournaments in Zanskar to nurture young talent and promote winter sports in the region. The Chief Secretary asked the concerned stakeholders to submit a detailed proposal, assuring that all possible assistance would be examined and necessary support provided.
The visit underscored the Administration’s focused approach towards strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery, promoting sports and tourism, and addressing the aspirations of the people of Zanskar through direct engagement and coordinated action.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav SDM Zanskar, Omkar Rajendra Gundage; Chief Engineer, R&B; Chief Engineer, Power Development Department; Chief Engineer, Irrigation & PHE; Councillors of LAHDC; Under Secretary Education, Tehsildar Zanskar; Executive Engineers of R&B and PHE; along with other senior officials, public representatives, and heads of different religious and regional communities.
