Leh, Apr 10: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inaugurated the Old Age Home (Zimskhang) for senior citizens at Saboothang, marking a significant step towards strengthening social welfare and inclusive development in the region.
This Old Age Home has been constructed at a cost of ₹19.74 crore, spread over an area of 1,925 square metres. The facility has been designed as a state-of-the-art structure to accommodate 50 to 55 elderly residents, including both men and women, with 12 rooms and four dormitories. It also includes a reception and waiting area, TV room, dining-cum-kitchen space, medical and office rooms, and all essential internal and external utility connections such as water supply, electricity and sewerage systems.
Additional features of the facility include a geodesic dome with seating arrangements for prayer, a fire-fighting system with fire alarms and a public address system, passenger lifts and accessibility features for differently-abled individuals.
The Old Age Home also incorporates several green and energy-efficient features, including the use of eco-friendly construction materials, adherence to green building norms, an ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) -compliant electrical substation, maximum utilisation of natural light, and thermal insulation through natural earth walls. The geodesic dome design helps in trapping solar heat, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described the inauguration as a moment of great significance, stating that the facility is not merely a building but a symbol of the society’s values, compassion and collective responsibility towards its elderly population.
Highlighting Ladakh’s cultural ethos, he said the region has always upheld deep respect for senior citizens, who serve as custodians of traditions and guiding forces in society. He acknowledged the contributions of organisations such as the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, HelpAge India and Tibetan Settlement Choglamsar, which have been working tirelessly for the welfare of the elderly.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that this marks the first instance of the UT Administration directly establishing such a facility for senior citizens, ensuring a safe, dignified and well-managed environment. This facility will be run on a collaborative model with the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.
Emphasising the invaluable role of senior citizens, Shri Saxena said they are repositories of wisdom, experience and cultural values. Their guidance not only unites families but also helps shape a cohesive and resilient society.
The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the moral responsibility of society to care for its elderly, particularly in their later years when they require both physical care and emotional support. He noted that with advancing age, loneliness can become a concern, and urged families to spend time with their elders, listen to them and make them feel valued and included.
He emphasised that the objective should go beyond providing shelter, aiming instead to ensure that every senior citizen lives with dignity, security and a sense of belonging.
Reaffirming the Administration’s commitment, Shri Saxena stated that efforts will continue to promote inclusive development, strengthen social security mechanisms and ensure that governance reaches every section of society, especially senior citizens.
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