Ladakh

Ladakh's development must leverage its unique strengths: NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok K Lahiri has emphasised that Ladakh's development strategy should build on its unique strengths, including its natural resources, cultural heritage and renewable-energy potential. He stressed that these advantages must be harnessed in a manner that ensures environmental sustainability and generates livelihood opportunities for the people of the Union territory. Lahiri was chairing a meeting with senior administrative officers, including chief secretary Ashish Kundra, here to review the ongoing projects and key challenges in infrastructure, connectivity, education, tourism, energy, water and employment, an official spokesperson said on Sunday. In the meeting on Saturday, Kundra briefed everyone about Ladakh's finances and highlighted major economic challenges facing the the Union territory. , along with sector-wise GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product), GSVA (Gross State Value Addition) and employment trends. Responding to the chief secretary's request f

Ladakh to get High Court bench as President Murmu notifies new regulation

President Droupadi Murmu has issued a regulation that establishes a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in the Union Territory of Ladakh, paving the way for bringing higher judicial services closer to the people of the region. The regulation, titled 'The Union Territory of Ladakh (Sitting of the Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh) Regulation, 2026,' was promulgated by President Murmu on August 27 and published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary on the same day. Issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the regulation seeks to establish a high court bench in Ladakh and address related matters, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the people of Ladakh for improved access to higher judicial remedies in the geographically remote area. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the promulgation, stating that the notification was issued within seven days of the Union Cabinet's decision. He emphasised that this quick action ...

Ladakh cuts VAT on natural gas to 5% to boost clean energy adoption

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday announced a significant reduction in value-added tax (VAT) on natural gas, including CNG and PNG, from 21 per cent to 5 per cent to promote affordable clean energy and improve ease of living for people in the Union Territory. Saxena said the move would give a major boost to the Centre's larger plan to roll out the city gas distribution (CGD) network to provide affordable piped gas to households across Ladakh. "Glad to share that the UT of Ladakh has significantly reduced VAT on Natural Gas (CNG & PNG) from 21 per cent to just 5 per cent, a major step towards promoting affordable clean energy and improving the ease of living for the people of Ladakh," LG said on X. The VAT reduction would also help offset the high cost of transporting energy due to Ladakh's difficult terrain and extreme climatic conditions, besides encouraging consumers to adopt cleaner fuels, he said. "This brings Ladakh at par with states like Gujarat, ...

Census 2027 population count begins in J&K, Ladakh: Here's what we know

Self-enumeration to run till August 31, followed by door-to-door population count in September; exercise brought forward to cover remote areas before winter

Ended fast fearing crackdown like Ladakh: Wangchuk denies deal with Centre

Activist Sonam Wangchuk said he decided to end his 26-day hunger strike after receiving the Centre's written assurances because he feared an imminent crackdown on protesters and wanted to prevent violence, recalling the September 24, 2025 firing on youth in Ladakh. In a YouTube video posted late Friday night, Wangchuk dismissed allegations that he had reached a deal with the government. He emphasised that his primary goal was to ensure that students involved in the protests would not face violence or legal consequences. He explained that he did not demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during negotiations because his priority was to prevent any legal actions against protesters. Wangchuk expressed confidence that Pradhan would resign eventually. "Last night around midnight, I was told the ministers had agreed to give the assurance in writing. I was in a hurry because the situation in Delhi was such; there was apprehension that a major crackdown could happen.

Ladakh to set up autonomous hill development councils for all 7 districts

The Union Territory Administration will constitute an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) in each of Ladakh's seven districts, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra announced on Monday. The official described the move as a major step towards strengthening grassroots governance and balanced development across the region. Ladakh moved from two districts to seven in April 2026, when Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass were notified as new districts. Elected representation until now has remained with the two existing councils, one each in Leh and Kargil. "Ladakh Administration has decided to constitute Autonomous Hill Development Council in each of the seven districts. It is a major step towards democratic decentralisation and grassroots governance," Kundra told reporters here. He said Section 3(1) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act already provides for a council for every district, to be constituted from a date the government notifies in the ...

ONGC drills second geothermal well in Ladakh, advances India's first pilot

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has completed drilling its second geothermal well in Ladakh's Puga Valley, marking another step towards developing India's first pilot geothermal power plant. The company's research and development arm, ONGC Energy Centre, drilled the well to a depth of 1,000 metres at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet in about a month, improving on the timeline and cost of its first geothermal drilling campaign, ONGC said in a social media post. The latest well builds on the success of ONGC's first geothermal well in Puga, which produced steam at temperatures above the boiling point of water, demonstrating the area's geothermal resource potential, the company said. ONGC said the second well would support the development of India's first 1-megawatt electric (MWe) pilot geothermal power plant and could pave the way for commercial exploitation of geothermal energy in the country. The project's next phase includes plans to set up a 1-megawatt electri

Breakthrough achieved in Zojila Tunnel, likely to open for public in 2028

Zojila Tunnel saw the light of the day on Tuesday after a breakthrough was achieved through a blast as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country, the world's longest single-tube bi-directional bypass at a record height, nears completion. "Breakthrough in the 2.5 metre distance in the tunnel has been successfully achieved," officials said. The breakthrough has brought the decades-old dream of all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh closer to reality. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari pressed the remote button, blasting the breakthrough site near the East Portal of the tunnel at Minimarg in Ladakh Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were also present. Officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) said the breakthrough is six months ahead of schedule. The officials said the tunnel is likely to be throw

Ladakh records over 43% rise in tourist arrivals in 2026: Lieutenant Guv

Ladakh has witnessed a historic surge in tourist arrivals this year, recording a growth of more than 43 per cent during the first five months of 2026, a development that authorities attributed to improved infrastructure, better connectivity and sustained efforts to promote the Union Territory as a premier tourism destination. Known as the "cold desert", Ladakh remains one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations, famed for its dramatic landscapes, pristine lakes, ancient monasteries and adventure tourism. The region is often cut off from the rest of the country during the winter months due to heavy snowfall that blocks the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways. Sharing the figures on the social media platform X, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh V K Saxena said the region registered a remarkable increase in visitor numbers, reflecting the success of initiatives aimed at boosting tourism in the high-altitude Himalayan destination. "Delighted to share that Ladakh has witnessed a .

Mountains, monasteries and vanishing trees: A journey via climate change

A nostalgic journey to Kalpa, Mane and Sangla reveals how climate change is remaking the landscape

India, China hold 'constructive' talks on LAC border situation in Ladakh

India and China held "constructive" and "forward-looking" talks on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, noting that maintaining border peace and tranquillity enabled progress in the normalisation of overall relations. The two sides discussed various aspects of the border situation during a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) in Beijing on Wednesday. "The discussions were constructive and forward looking," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, a day after the talks. India and China rolled out a series of measures in the last over one year to rebuild their relationship after it came under severe strain following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020 and the subsequent military face-off that lasted for over four years, "The two sides reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas. They expressed satisfaction with the progress made in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas, which

Ladakh gets clean energy boost as ONGC geothermal project pact extended

Ladakh is set to take a significant step towards clean energy generation with Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approving the setting up of India's first geothermal power project by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation at Puga valley in Ladakh, at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. LG approved a five-year extension of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation for the construction of the country's first geothermal power project, officials said. The project, to be developed at an altitude of over 14,000 feet in eastern Ladakh, aims to commercially harness geothermal energy as a sustainable alternative source of power, they said. The earlier tripartite MoU signed on February 6, 2021, between the Ladakh administration, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and the ONGC energy centre expired on February 5, 2026. ONGC had sought an extension, citing delays caused by harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain, they said. Consideri

Major Gen among 3 injured in Army helicopter crash in Ladakh; probe ordered

An Indian Army Cheetah light helicopter, operating in the strategically sensitive Ladakh region, met with an accident during a routine flight

Ladakh grants 'industry' status to hospitality sector, extends incentives

The Ladakh administration has decided to grant industry status to hotels and guest houses registered with the tourism department in a move aimed at strengthening the hospitality sector and boosting tourism-led economic growth, officials said. Lt Governor VK Saxena on Wednesday approved the grant of 'Industry' status to registered hotels and guest houses in the Union territory, they said. The decision, which will come into effect from June 1, 2026, is expected to provide a substantial fillip to tourism establishments through incentives, concessional utility tariffs and easier access to institutional finance, they said. Officials said hotels and guest houses would now be eligible for electricity and water tariffs at industrial rates, which are lower than the commercial rates which are currently applicable to such establishments. They would also qualify for concessional bank loans under various state and central government industrial policies besides exemption from property tax, they

Earthquake of magnitude 4.1 hits Ladakh's Leh, no damage reported

The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 150 km, with the epicentre located at latitude 36.722 N and longitude 74.456 E

'Ladakh' replaces 'Jammu and Kashmir' in Aadhaar records for UT residents

In a significant move to uphold the regional identity of the residents of Ladakh, the Union Territory administration has successfully updated Aadhaar records to reflect "Ladakh" replacing "Jammu & Kashmir" in the State field, following the intervention of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena.Despite the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh in 2019, after being carved out of Jammu and Kashmir, the Aadhar records of the people of Ladakh continued to reflect the erstwhile State name - J & K, instead of Ladakh - causing widespread concerns and hassles.According to a press release, the LG, taking a serious note of the prolonged pendency in this important matter, directed the UT Administration to resolve the issue at the earliest.Subsequently, the Administration took up the matter with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) at higher levels.This long-awaited correction has now been successfully implemented, ensuring that Ladakh's distinct regional .

SC disposes of wife's plea challenging Sonam Wangchuk's detention

The Supreme Court on Monday disposed of a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, against the latter's detention under the National Security Act (NSA). A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale noted that the Centre revoked its order of Wangchuk's detention on March 14. The apex court said there was nothing left in the matter. Earlier, the top court had asked the Centre if there was any possibility for the government to relook at the detention of Wangchuk, considering his health condition. The Centre on March 14 said it had revoked with immediate effect the detention of Wangchuk under the NSA, nearly six months after he was arrested following violent protests in Leh that left four dead. Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after the protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh. More than 45 people, including 22 policemen, were injured in the protests.

Welcome Wangchuk's release, no space for agitation or violence: Ladakh L-G

Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday welcomed the central government's revocation of the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, terming it a positive step for the region.All the same, Saxena said there is "no space for agitation" and violence in the Union territory, and suggested dialogue as a means to resolve the issues. The Centre on Saturday said it has revoked with immediate effect Wangchuk's detention, nearly six months after he was arrested following violent protests in Leh that left four dead. The same day, Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur jail, where he had been kept since the detention. Saxena termed the Centre's move a "positive step", according to a statement issued by the Lok Bhavan. "Ladakh has always been known for the patriotic spirit, nationalism, and peaceful nature of its people," he said. Saxena, who took oath as the fourth Lt Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Friday, said all issues can be resolve

Sonam Wangchuk released from Jodhpur jail after Centre revokes detention

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur central jail on Saturday after the Union government decided to revoke his detention with immediate effect. Wangchuk was detained on September 26 last year under the National Security Act (NSA) pursuant to an order issued by the Leh district magistrate. He has already undergone nearly half of the detention period stipulated under the Act. "He was released from jail at about 1.30 pm today following an order from the central government," Ratanada Police Station SHO Dinesh Lakhawat said. His wife, Geetanjali Angmo, was here to complete the formalities. Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh. More than 45 people, including 22 policemen, were injured in the protests. He was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on the orders of the Leh district magistrate to "maintain public order

Centre revokes Sonam Wangchuk's detention after almost six months

The Centre has decided to revoke the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act, an official statement said on Saturday. Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after violent protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh. He was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on the orders of the district magistrate, Leh, to "maintain public order" and then transferred to Jodhpur prison. Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the NSA, the statement said. "The government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region," it said.