Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Apr 8: A delegation of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), led by its President Tsewang Dorjay, met Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) to raise issues affecting tourism in the region.
The delegation expressed concern over the current Protected Area Permit (PAP) system for foreign tourists, which requires them to visit the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (eFRO) in person.
They said the process takes at least 45 minutes due to a single login system at the DC office, causing delays and affecting tourist flow.
They also highlighted the dual Form C requirement, which asks foreign tourists to submit the form both at the airport and their hotel, calling it unnecessary and time-consuming.
The ALTOA members requested the LG’s intervention to simplify the PAP process and remove redundant procedures. They also sought an increase in tourism promotion funds, saying the current allocation of Rs 10 crores is too low to meet the sector’s needs. Additionally, they urged the administration to allow the use of satellite phones to improve connectivity in remote areas.
The LG assured the delegation that their concerns would be looked into. He said a letter would be sent to the concerned ministry regarding simplification of the permit process.
On the issue of funding, the LG explained that the allocation depends on the UT Administration’s budget, which has been reduced by the Union Finance Ministry.
Chief Secretary Dr Pawan Kotwal, Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar, Commissioner/ Secretary Dr Vasantha Kumar, Commissioner/ Secretary to LG Dr L Franklin, Secretary Yatindra Maralkar, DC Leh Santosh Sukhadave, and AD Tourism Leh Padma Angmo were present during the meeting.
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