The border Villages of Batalik sector were the most affected during the 1999 Indo-Pak proxy war. You can still witness the damages it caused to public property. People still remember the horrifying days of bombshells falling on their houses. This is the place where our martyrs sacrificed their lives to protect the integrity of the country in 1999.

Batalik sector is 50kms from the District Headquarter, Kargil, in Union Territory of Ladakh and one has to traverse Hambutingla (Pass), 4000 meters above sea level to reach the village. Now the road connectivity is better and it is motorable throughout the year for almost all villages except Shartsey, where the road is expected to reach very soon.

Electricity connectivity has been one of the major bottlenecks for the socio-economic development of this border area, as electricity was being provided from three DG sets to the following villages- Lalung, Silmo, Batalik, Chulichan, Sharchey, Gurgurdo, Sanachey, Darchiks.

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Under PMDP a trunk 11 KV transmission line is being constructed from Barche to Garkone village and further connecting DAH power, thus joining Khangral Grid Station to the Northern Grid.

This is a life-changing development for the people of the area close to 600 households, where they used to get electricity for just eight hours a day but now electricity will be provided with 24 hours supply that has the potential to drastically change the lifestyle of the residents in the area.

“We have been waiting for this day“, said Ghulam Hussain from Silmo.

Realizing this power supply will bring social and economic prosperity to the region, he said adding that “people will buy fridge and electronic machines which will make our lives easier and comfortable”.

”I will have a washing machine now”, Sakina Banoo said who used to wash her family cloth manually. She is expecting ease in her household chores like washing and cooking.

”Now more business opportunity will materialize with reliable supply”, a youth described.

People of this region earn a large portion of their livelihood by selling apricot and other apricot products. Now, with the 24 hours power supply they are aiming for apricot and other fruit processing unit and other allied small-scale activities.

This area is as diverse as one can imagine, that inhabits people of different ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds, famously known as the Aryan valley. People and tourists from near and far visit the place to witness the unique culture and tradition of the region.

With a reliable power supply, people are ready to invest in the tourism sector also, starting with a 1999 war memorial at Chulichan. As border tourism is also being promoted nationally, the villagers are hopeful for new avenues of livelihood. Batalik sector is also suitable for setting up large renewable energy units and can contribute to a carbon-neutral Ladakh as announced by PM Modi in his Independence day speech.