Leh, April 27: In a major administrative overhaul, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, taking the total from two to seven.
The newly formed districts—Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass—aim to improve governance, service delivery and meet long-pending public demands, especially in remote areas.
The decision follows approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2024. Officials said the move will decentralise administration, reduce travel distances and ensure faster access to public services.
Three districts—Nubra, Sham and Changthang—have been carved out of Leh, while Zanskar and Drass have been created from Kargil. Headquarters have been set at Diskit, Khaltse, Nyoma, Padum and Drass-Ranbirpura respectively.
The reorganisation also defines new territorial limits, with revised distribution of revenue villages across all seven districts.
Saxena termed the decision “historic,” stating it would usher in inclusive and balanced development, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a prosperous Ladakh.
The move is also expected to generate employment through new administrative infrastructure and boost local economic opportunities.
Authorities said the decision followed detailed consultations and field assessments by a committee constituted to examine district formation.
