Leh, December 08, 2021: Chairman and CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson issued a statement today in which he mentioned that “the Border Roads Organization (BRO) proposed to generate revenue by levying toll taxes out of BRO roads/tunnels in Ladakh is completely uncalled for and not warranted.

“The roads connecting and within Ladakh are the lifeline for the people of Ladakh. These roads are constructed with an aim to strengthen the border regions and to provide just and reasonable support to the local population”, maintained the statement.

“Many of these roads don’t come under national highways and are being constructed with local resources involved.

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“Moreover, the existing national highways are not at par with the standards of other national highways in terms of infrastructure. Also, the existing national highways are significant for locals and have also local resources involved.

“Therefore, we have a strong reservation on this issue and expect the Administration of UT Ladakh especially Secretary, Transport Department to categorically raise an objection and also communicate the reservation, (to) both the Hill Councils of Ladakh has.”

Pertinent to mention that the Chairman and CEC Kargil in a tweet had expressed his resentment over the issue and appealed the UT Administration Ladakh to take all the stakeholders on board before issuing any NOC for the development of toll plazas.