LG Saxena hoists Tricolour at Leh, highlights Ladakh’s development journey

Late Col Wangchuk’s family conferred dPal rNgam Duston Lifetime Achievement Award

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Aug 16: Ladakh celebrated the nation's 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at the historic Polo Ground in Leh, where Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena hoisted the National Flag and took the salute of marching contingents.

Paying tribute to freedom fighters, the Lieutenant Governor also saluted the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, Ladakh Scouts, Police and Border Roads Organisation personnel guarding the country's borders in the challenging terrain of Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering, he described the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory in 2019 as a major milestone and said the Administration, with the support of the Government of India, had focused on infrastructure, governance, healthcare, education, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, water security, connectivity and social welfare.

He highlighted the creation of five new districts-Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass-along with 17 new tehsils and 16 engineering divisions to bring administration and public services closer to people.

He said the process of establishing Hill Councils in all seven districts would further strengthen grassroots democracy.

Saxena said Ladakh received over 3.30 lakh tourists till July this year, nearly 98 per cent of the total arrivals recorded in 2025.

He said the road network had expanded from 1,799 km before the UT's formation to over 4,200 km, while bridges increased from 19 to 72.

Highlighting sustainable development, he referred to Project Him Sarovar, Himalayan rock check dams, the Indus River Green Corridor, tap-water expansion, renewable energy projects and geothermal wells at Puga.

He also spoke about measures to strengthen the Pashmina sector.

The celebrations featured a march past by security personnel, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets and school students, besides cultural performances.

Government Higher Secondary School Padul secured first position in the march past, while Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School topped the cultural performances.

Appreciation certificates were also presented for exemplary work.

Meanwhile, fhe family of late Col Sonam Wangchuk (retd) received the dPal rNgam Duston Lifetime Achievement Award, while His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa was conferred the dPal rNgam Duston Award 2026.