Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday flagged off consignments of organic fertiliser for distribution among farmers across the Union Territory and inaugurated a state-of-the-art Automated Driving Test Centre (ADTC) and Automated Testing Station (ATS) at Phyang, while also meeting various public delegations at the LG Secretariat.
The Lieutenant Governor flagged off the organic fertiliser consignments from the LG Secretariat in Leh, emphasising the need to adopt sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices to strengthen the farming sector in Ladakh.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, Commissioner/Secretary L Franklin, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, Additional Registrar Cooperatives Tsering Paldan, and officials of the Agriculture Department were present on the occasion.
Officials informed that adequate quantities of organic fertiliser have been procured to ensure timely distribution among farmers before the sowing season. The fertilisers were stocked in advance to prevent shortages and ensure smooth supply to villages across the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of transitioning from chemical fertilisers to organic manure and organic fertilisers to preserve soil health and maintain ecological balance. He noted that Ladakh, with its pristine environment and traditional farming practices, has the potential to emerge as a fully organic region similar to Sikkim, India’s first organic state.
Highlighting Ladakh’s unique agricultural conditions marked by a short cropping season, high-altitude climate and difficult terrain, the LG said sustainable agricultural practices are essential for maintaining soil fertility and improving crop productivity in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
He reiterated that the UT Administration remains committed to strengthening the agriculture sector and supporting farmers through sustainable initiatives that ensure food security, environmental protection and improved livelihoods.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the Automated Driving Test Centre and Automated Testing Station at Phyang, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 2.10 crore under the Special Development Package (SDP).
Speaking on the occasion, Gupta emphasised that vehicle fitness and responsible driving are crucial for ensuring road safety and environmental protection. He remarked that just as people require regular health check-ups, vehicles also need periodic inspections to remain roadworthy and prevent pollution.
The automated facilities use sensor-based technology, cameras and advanced monitoring systems to evaluate driving skills and vehicle fitness with minimal human intervention, thereby improving transparency, accuracy and efficiency in testing.
Officials said the Automated Testing Station will conduct modern vehicle inspections, while the Automated Driving Test Centre will streamline the process of assessing driving skills and issuing licences.
The Lieutenant Governor also informed that similar infrastructure would soon be established in Kargil district to extend the benefits of automated testing facilities across Ladakh.
During the event, representatives of WAPCOS Limited, the implementing agency for the ATS, highlighted that the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program (V-VMP) launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to phase out unfit and polluting vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner. They added that since October 1, 2024, all commercial vehicles are required to undergo fitness testing at registered Automated Testing Stations.
Earlier in the day, several delegations also called on the Lieutenant Governor at the LG Secretariat and apprised him of issues concerning their respective areas.
A delegation from Rangdum, led by Councillor Cha Shri Stanzin Lakpa, raised concerns related to strengthening the administrative set-up, infrastructure development and healthcare facilities in the area.
Another delegation from Waris village highlighted problems caused by frequent flooding of the Siachen River and requested the construction of concrete water channels. They also sought the development of a multipurpose ground and a youth gathering centre.
The Lieutenant Governor assured the delegations that their concerns would be examined and reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to balanced development across Ladakh, particularly focusing on remote areas and improvements in education, healthcare and tourism.
