Leh, April 29, 2023: A delegation comprising Nambardars of Leh town led by the President of Municipal Committee Leh, Dr Ishey Namgyal, called on the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), at Raj Niwas. Advisor, Umang Narula; Principal Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal and Commissioner Secretary, PWD, Ajeet Kumar Sahu were present in the meeting.
Dr Ishey raised the issue about Leh Nullah (Tokpo) and informed HLG about the damage to the Nullah due to the flash flood in 2010. He also informed that the residents of Leh town are facing a lot of issues due to the destruction of their crops, horticulture plantations and trees due to inundation. He requested LG's intervention in the implementation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department for the early restoration of the nullah.
Sahu informed that Tata Consultancy has been given the task to share technical inputs and prepare the DPR.
Dr Ishey informed about the sanctioning of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) for Leh, which is currently being operated from Solar Colony in Choglamsar. He also informed about the need to set u the PHC in Leh municipal area, preferably in Leh town, so that patients can avail of medical facilities. He requested to set up the new PHC building near Polo Ground.
Dr Ishey informed LG about traditional water reservoirs (dZings) used for storing water and replenishing underground water. He requested to instruct Irrigation and Flood Control Division along with the PHE Department to conduct a detailed survey of the water flow system in Leh town, including the reservoirs with the involvement of local stakeholders and to frame water usage policy.
Sahu informed about the report being prepared by Tata Consultancy to explore the potential of a 24×7 water supply in Leh town. He also informed about the survey being done on the number of nullahs and mapping of underground water along with the borewells in Leh town. These studies/surveys would help in addressing issues of drinking water, underground water and water conservation in Leh town.
Dr Namgyal informed LG about the initiatives being taken by MC Leh to revive the traditional Chhurpon system (water regulator).
Nambardars from Leh town raised several issues, including the need to implement rural development schemes in Upper Leh town due to its rural characteristics; early completion of the Trans-Himalayan Cultural Centre in Upper Leh; setting up an electric crematorium at Tharpaling, etc.
LG sought alternatives from MC Leh for the setting up of the PHC in Leh town. He instructed Sahu to prepare the DPR for the Leh Nullah on a mission mode and also to appoint an officer to avoid wasting time on correspondence. He also instructed to set up an electric crematorium at the earliest.
LG instructed MC Leh to develop both pasture land in Skara along with putting up a fence around the boundary, ensuring that the water source doesn't deplete, installing benches for people and only allowing cattle to graze in the grazing zone, etc.
