Leh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena today conducted an inspection visit to Leh Main Market and the heritage areas of Leh Old Town, Chuteyrantak and the Central Asian Museum to review civic infrastructure, cleanliness and heritage conservation.
True to his commitment to working on the streets of Ladakh, Saxena walked the streets and by-lanes around the main market and Old Town and issued instructions for the maintenance and upkeep of public places and other amenities. Saxena also interacted with a number of locals who conveyed their grievances to the LG.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan within one month to address sanitation, infrastructure improvement and urban management issues in Leh town to ensure a clean, organised and tourist-friendly urban environment.
During his visit to Leh Main Market, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need to maintain a uniform design and signage system in the market area to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Describing Leh Main Market as a beautiful market with its own unique charm, Saxena directed the concerned officials to place large decorative flower pots at appropriate locations to beautify the market and create an attractive environment for both residents and tourists.
He further directed that broken stairs and pavements in the market area be repaired at the earliest and that uniform design tiles be used for pavements to ensure visual harmony. Stressing the need for cleanliness and hygiene in and around the market areas, Saxena instructed that stains and dust in the market area be cleaned regularly using proper cleaning mechanisms so that tourists visiting the town get a pleasant experience.
The Lieutenant Governor also directed the authorities to ensure regular cleaning of drains and removal of garbage so that wastewater flows freely without obstruction. He directed the placement of dustbins at designated locations across the market area to maintain cleanliness and prevent littering. He further directed that fire hydrants be made fully functional and that adequate firefighting mechanisms be kept in place to ensure public safety.
While inspecting Leh Old Town, Saxena directed the concerned officials to improve the approach to the Central Asian Museum and give it a visually appealing look. He directed that the drainage channels passing through Leh Old Town be widened and properly structured so that they never overflow onto the streets. Saxena also instructed the concerned departments to clear debris and maintain cleanliness in the area, noting that Leh Old Town represents Ladakh’s centuries-old culture and rich historical legacy.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised the need to promote traditional architectural styles while constructing houses, particularly in the Leh Old Town area, to preserve the region’s unique cultural identity.
Highlighting the problem posed by dangling and exposed electrical wires, which create an unsightly appearance and pose safety risks, especially for children, Saxena directed that cables be laid underground through ducts along with sewage pipelines. He also instructed that exposed live wires be properly covered to prevent accidents.
He further directed that encroachments along pavements and pathways be removed while undertaking tile-laying and pavement work. Emphasising the need for long-term urban planning, Saxena called for the preparation of a comprehensive plan for sewage treatment to address current issues and accommodate future population growth over the next decade. He also stressed the need for proper street lighting and well-planned drainage systems to improve public convenience.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the need to develop adequate parking spaces in the town and called for public awareness initiatives to encourage people to follow traffic regulations and park their vehicles in designated areas to prevent congestion.
During his interaction with residents of Leh Old Town, the locals apprised the Lieutenant Governor of issues related to sewage disposal and narrow pathways in the area. Saxena assured them that his visit was aimed at identifying and resolving such public concerns and that necessary steps would be taken to address these issues.
Saxena emphasised that improving civic infrastructure, cleanliness and heritage conservation in Leh town is crucial not only for the convenience of residents but also for strengthening Ladakh’s tourism potential. He noted that Leh, being a major tourist destination, must present a clean, organised and culturally vibrant environment that reflects the unique heritage and hospitality of the region.
Saxena was accompanied by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, DGP Ladakh Mukesh Singh, Commissioner/Secretary to the LG, Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioner Leh, SSP Leh and Executive Officer of Municipal Committee Leh, along with other senior officials.
