Ladakh is a unique region in more than one sense. Area-wise, it is the largest district of India. Physically being contiguous to the Eastern Province of China and Tibet, it occupies great strategic importance. Culturally, it stands out as a distinct ethnic and linguistic region with traditions of ancient Buddhist culture prominently in vogue among the populace. Politically, creation of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Leh and Kargil) gives it slightly different status from other regions of the J&K State. But apart from all this, the more notable thing about the region is that it remains cut off from the rest of the country and the world for more than six months in a year owing to heavy snowfall that closes vehicular traffic on Srinagar – Leh road. At present, necessaries of life have to be stored in Leh to meet the requirements of people during long winter months. Accessibility to the region remains highly restricted. The only link with Ladakh during winter months is by air.
The good news is that after a long wait and debate at various levels, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken some crucial decisions in regard to air connectivity with Leh. A high level meeting was held in which seniors of Civil Aviation Ministry, Airport Authority of India and State officials including the Chairman of LAHDC participated. Some very useful and much needed decisions have been taken. The existing airport in Leh will be expanded, a mini airport will be built in Zanskar, air fare of flights to Ladakh will be regularized to bring relief to the people of Ladakh and State and Central Government employees posted in the region, frequency of flights between Delhi/Srinagar and Leh will be increased etc. The meeting also decided to re-fix the airfare and allow no fluctuation in the cost of air tickets as is happening at present.
Though a belated decision, nevertheless it will go a long way in alleviating the connectivity problem of the people of Ladakh. As there are only very limited flights at present, in severe winter months, there is much rush of air passengers and the agents sell the tickets for Delhi at an exorbitant price, something that is outside the affordability of ordinary Ladakhis, The problem becomes very acute when there is the urgency of taking an ailing person out for treatment or carrying the dead body to or out of Leh. All these difficulties have been discussed and sorted out. According to reliable sources the cost of air ticket for Leh-Delhi route would be fixed somewhere between Rs. 4000 and 5000 after due consultation with the air companies.
The decision taken will bring much needed relief to the people of Ladakh and will help in removing their isolation during winter. Apart from this, the question of road connectivity with Ladakh region is also under close consideration of New Delhi and Srinagar. It will be reminded that digging of two tunnels at Gagangir and Zoji La on Srinagar – Leh road is under execution. Once the two tunnels are brought to completion, the road connectivity to Ladakh is likely to remain open round the year. That will bring about a sea change in the life and economy of the entire region. We are also told that rail link between Srinagar and Leh is under contemplation at relevant quarters and if that project is given green signal, then Ladakh will become one of the choicest regions in the country for visitors, traders, scholars and administrators. Ladakh has been neglected for too long and the people despite raising their voice have not been delivered justice, as it should be. Streamlining air connectivity with Ladakh is not the end of the game rather it is the beginning of wholesome development of the region. Ladakh hiss emerged as strategically very significant ever since the Chinese have upgraded infrastructure on their side of the border. They are reported to have brought roads close to the border and have built airstrips to facilitate landing of airplanes close to our border. We cannot ignore these developments and shall have to respond to the moves of the Chinese strategists.
All that we have to say is that the decision now taken to streamline air connectivity is belated one. Nevertheless we welcome it and impress upon the authorities that these should not remain decisions on paper only. The crucial decisions need to be translated into practice. The real appreciation will flow only when these are implemented on the ground.
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