Shashi Tharoor-led parliamentary committee meets Ladakh LG; region's key challenges discussed

Srinagar: Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday said he had an engaging discussion with Shashi Tharoor-led parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, during which he shared key challenges of water scarcity and environmental issues facing the region.

Saxena said the discussion was fruitful and that the panel enquired about the Ladakh region's main challenges as well as the efforts undertaken to address them. "Briefed the committee about the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh and the consequent environmental challenges and water scarcity. Also shared our proactive steps such as Project Him Sarovar, the Rock Check Dams under Sindhu Jal Samridhi Abhiyan, and massive plantation drives, to tackle these challenges," he said.

The lieutenant governor expressed gratitude to the committee members for their appreciation of the efforts and their assurance of full cooperation.


The delegation also met Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in Kargil. He highlighted the urgent need for a passport seva kendra in Kargil to benefit pilgrims and residents of the district.

Congress MP Tharoor had said the 10-member team would draw conclusions only after completing its tour of the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. He said the visiting committee was focused on studying three matters - India-Pakistan relations, India-China relations and the functioning of passport offices and passport seva kendras.