Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 19: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today met Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi and discussed key developmental projects for the Union Territory.
A statement said the LG informed the Union Minister about two major water supply projects aimed at ensuring round-the-clock drinking water for Leh and Kargil towns.
The projects, costing Rs 334.72 crores and Rs 373.17 crores respectively, have already been approved by the State High Powered Steering Committee of Ladakh and cleared by the 12th Apex Committee under AMRUT 2.0 earlier this year.
Central assistance of Rs 62 crores has been sanctioned, with Rs 31 crores allotted for each project, while the remaining funds will be borne by the UT Administration.
Gupta highlighted that Ladakh is facing a severe groundwater crisis, with alarming depletion levels posing risks for future generations.
He said these projects are a critical step towards addressing water security and sustainability in the region.
Under AMRUT 2.0, Ladakh has been allocated Rs 128 crores in a 90:10 funding ratio. Of this, Rs 58.5 crores has already been released in the first tranche and Rs 69.5 crores in the second tranche to support the projects.
The LG also raised the demand for an urban housing project under PMAY-U 2.0, stressing the need to expand housing infrastructure in Leh and Kargil to meet rising population requirements.
He further discussed the Pang-Kharnak project under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and other power-related initiatives, urging timely intervention for their speedy completion.
Gupta said these projects are in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of making Ladakh a carbon-neutral region and a hub of sustainable energy.
The Union Minister appreciated the efforts of the Ladakh Administration and assured continued central support for the region’s development.
The LG reaffirmed that the administration will ensure fast and effective implementation of the projects to strengthen Ladakh’s water, housing, and energy sectors.
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