‘Better air connectivity vital for tourism growth’
Suggests time-bound renewable push to cut dependence
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Mar 30: Flagging critical gaps across key sectors including tourism management, renewable energy utilization, civil aviation infrastructure and recruitment system, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has called for a holistic and carefully calibrated development strategy for the Union Territory of Ladakh. Moreover, it has cautioned that uncoordinated growth could lead to long term ecological and administrative repercussions.
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Regarding the tourism sector, the Committee noted that Ladakh has witnessed a sharp rise in visitor footfall in recent years, emerging as one of the country’s most sought-after destinations for adventure, nature and cultural tourism.
It appreciated the administration’s structured approach in promoting diverse tourism segments and introducing regulatory frameworks for adventure activities, alongside initiatives aimed at preserving the region’s unique ecological features such as dark skies.
However, the Committee, in its report tabled in the Parliament, expressed concern that the rapid and unregulated expansion of tourism could put immense pressure on Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. It emphasized that carrying-capacity assessments of major tourist destinations must be completed within a defined timeframe and strictly incorporated into planning and regulatory decisions.
“Without such scientific benchmarks, increased tourist inflow could lead to environmental degradation, water stress and waste management challenges”, the Committee cautioned while recommending that tourism growth must be aligned with sustainability goals through improved infrastructure, efficient waste disposal systems and regulated use of natural resources.
Turning to the power sector, the Committee highlighted Ladakh’s immense potential for renewable energy generation, particularly solar power, given its high altitude, clear skies and vast open landscapes. Despite these natural advantages, it noted that the UT continues to rely significantly on external sources to meet its energy requirements, pointing to a gap between potential and actual utilization.
Recommending that UT administration must adopt a comprehensive strategy for development of solar and wind energy in the region so as to utilize the available renewable energy potential in a planned and time bound manner, the report said, “the share of power generated from solar energy may be progressively enhanced and concrete steps may be taken to assess and develop the wing energy potential of the Union Territory. Further, periodic monitoring of renewable energy projects may also be undertaken to ensure timely implementation and effective utilization of resources”.
On the civil aviation, the report said, “in a region like Ladakh, marked by difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions, air connectivity is not a luxury but a critical lifeline. The existing infrastructure, particularly at Leh airport, is under pressure during peak tourist seasons and requires urgent augmentation”.
It has recommended strengthening airport infrastructure at Leh and Kargil including augmentation of terminal and apron capacity to manage peak tourist and emergency traffic efficiently. “Sustained and reliable air connectivity to Kargil and other remote areas may be ensured through appropriate policy support”, the report said.
In addition, the Committee, while highlighting the economic potential of local horticulture and other perishable products, has suggested development of dedicated air cargo facilities. Such infrastructure, it noted, would enable faster and more efficient transportation of goods to external markets, thereby enhancing income opportunities for local producers. The report also called for strengthening winter-operational capabilities and ensuring all-weather aviation services to maintain uninterrupted connectivity throughout the year.
Addressing the issue of employment, the Committee expressed concern over delays in recruitment processes, noting that timely filling of vacancies is essential for efficient governance as well as for addressing unemployment among educated youth in the UT. It observed that while recruitment efforts are underway, the pace needs to be significantly accelerated.
It has recommended the introduction of well-defined examination calendars and greater coordination among recruiting agencies, including the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board, to streamline the hiring process. Stress has also been laid on the importance of sector-specific manpower planning, particularly in critical areas such as health, education, infrastructure development and tourism services.
According to the Committee, a transparent and time-bound recruitment system would not only strengthen administrative capacity but also instill confidence among job aspirants. It added that expanding employment opportunities within the UT would reduce outward migration and contribute to local economic stability.
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