Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC),Leh delegation led by its Chairman/ Chief Executive Councilor (CEC), Dorjay Mutup called on Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and projected the burning issues of Ladakh region. In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister the LAHDC, Leh members demanded rationalization of aviation system in the region. The Council stressed that a fully operational and rationalized aviation system was absolutely necessary for constant inter-action between people of a remote area of Ladakh and rest of the country. They pointed out that the key issue affecting the common man of remote Ladakh is the skyrocketing airfares these days. It is needed to be reviewed. They also demanded development and expansion of Civil Airport terminal building at Leh. The LAHDC further referred to pathetic condition of Telecommunication in the region and demanded that same be improved to have good network. The Council also stressed for preferential treatment to Cooperative Marketing Societies in award of contracts for supply of vegetables, fruits, milk etc to the Army and para- military forces in the region. The CEC demanded road upgradation in Leh district for the benefit of defence forces and civilians. He pointed out that works on the vital roads (Upshi to Loma, Kharu to Durbuk and Leh to Chulunka) are being taken up by BRO for upgradation and widening, but the pace of work is very slow due to limited funding in a working season. He stressed for adequate funding for swift completion of these critical projects. The CEC also stressed for construction of multipurpose Tunnel through Khardungla Pass. He said project would immensely benefit the locals as well the Army in cost savings on many fronts. Besides, water from the north side of Khardungla will quench the severe water shortage of Leh for irrigation as well drinking. The tunnel can also be used for telecommunication and power grid lines. The Council demanded all weather road across Parang La and said Korzok in Ladakh (J&K), which can be connected with the Spiti in Himachal Pradesh with all weather road across the only pass of Parangla. It said 80 kms of road need to be constructed to connect Korzok and Spiti. This allweather road would connect Ladakh with rest of the country throughout the year. The LAHDC pointed out that Saichan River in Nubra valley is known for causing massive destruction and damages to lives and properties of the inhabitants of the villages situated along the river course due to floods. The inhabitants, since last two decades are yearning for taking up the training works on Saichen River. An expert team from the Central Government needs to be deployed for surveying and estimation. They also demanded Prime Minister Development Package for J&K, with good share to the people of Ladakh region. They also sought immediate intervention of the PM for early starting of works and completion of major projects under PMDP. They included Construction of tunnels at Lachungla pass and Tagnangla pass and Nimu Padum Darcha road (PMRP 2004, completion of project). They also stressed for establishment of Medical College at Leh and said setting up of Medical College in Leh will prove very beneficial to thousands of critical patients who are necessitated to travel to State capitals for treatment. The other demands included Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, early commissioning of 220 KV Transmission line from Srinagar to Leh, direct Central funding to Ladakh, flood Management Programme for Ladakh, more stress on BADP Programme and National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) for the region.
