Leh, Jan 04: Advisor Umang Narula reviewed the progress of various developmental schemes and projects being implemented in the border villages of Ladakh under the Changthang package, Border Area Development Plan, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and Special Development Package.

Advisor Narula stressed the need to compile a more comprehensive baseline survey of all the border villages of Ladakh with emphasis on livelihood analysis, the history of the villages, record of pasture lands, the relationship between villages and adjoining villages, the changes that have occurred in these villages over the years, as well as the best practices of the border villages. 

Deputy Commissioner, Leh Shrikant Suse apprised the Advisor of the various completed and ongoing projects through a presentation, including infrastructural and service-level developments. The Advisor was further informed by Administrative Secretary Ravinder Kumar that a total of 206 pre-fabricated shelters have been provided in the Changthang region, while Poly Carbonated greenhouses have also been built in few of the villages.

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While reviewing the status of services such as mobile ambulances and mobile veterinary ambulances, Advisor Narula directed the concerned departments to ensure that the vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking devices and monitor their movements regularly. 

Advisor Narula stated that schools and colleges must conduct exposure tours to the border regions and also stressed on frequent visits of officials and holding meetings not only at blocks but also in the villages. 

Facilitating the active role of PRIs to conduct Gram Sabha meetings on relevant topics such as water, sanitation, strengthening of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and development of tourist facilitation centers for exhibition and sale of local products was emphasized by the Advisor.

Advisor Narula further directed all concerned departments to fast-track development projects in the border villages in light of the decisions taken in the recently held Chief Secretarys/DGs conference chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

Principal Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner Saugat Biswas, Administrative Secretary Ravinder Kumar, Secretary Tourism Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, Deputy Commissioner Leh Shrikant Suse, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Santosh Sukhdev and other officials of the concerned departments attended the meeting.