Leh, Jan. 03: The Secretary of Hospitality & Protocol, UT Ladakh, Ravinder Kumar presided over a meeting dedicated to scrutinizing the advancement of ongoing projects by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), and Public Works Department (PWD), at the Chamber of the Secretary, Leh.

The meeting was marked by a review process, aimed at assessing the physical and financial progress made by these agencies in the execution of various projects, and the review included buildings, residential quarters, and vital facilities within the Union Territory Ladakh, New Delhi, and Chandigarh. The objective of the meeting was to ensure that the development initiatives aligned seamlessly with the vision for a progressive and sustainable Ladakh.

The Secretary Ravinder Kumar extended the review to aspects, including the waterproofing of roofs and the comprehensive renovation of washrooms. He emphasized the imperative to align the initiatives with sustainable practices, urging agencies to incorporate Solar Rooftop and Solar Water Heater systems. Additionally, he underscored the necessity of making all construction and renovation works winter-friendly, taking into account the unique climatic challenges.

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Ravinder Kumar highlighted the critical role of Solar Rooftop installations in harnessing Ladakh’s abundant sunlight, contributing to the Union Territory’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. He urged construction agencies to integrate these solar technologies seamlessly into the renovation projects, emphasizing their potential to reduce the environmental footprint.

The meeting provided a comprehensive platform for representatives from NHIDCL, CPWD, and PWD to present detailed reports on the current status of their respective projects. Deliberations encompassed a wide array of aspects, including project timelines, budget adherence, and any challenges faced during execution.

Secretary Ravinder Kumar underscored the importance of adhering to rigorous timelines and quality benchmarks. He emphasized that the successful implementation of the projects is integral to enhancing the infrastructure and overall well-being of the residents of Ladakh.

Ravinder Kumar commended the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved and reiterated the significance of effective communication and coordination and he urged all officers and stakeholders to maintain the highest standards of excellence and transparency in their endeavors, ensuring that the projects contribute significantly to the socio-economic growth of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The meeting was attended by the Joint Director of Hospitality & Protocol; Accounts Officer of Hospitality & Protocol; General Manager of NHIDCL; Under Secretary to the Secretary; Executive Engineer of PWD (Construction Division), Leh, while Chief Engineer, CPWD; Deputy Director of Planning of Hospitality & Protocol; Executive Engineer of CPWD joined the meeting virtually.