Leh, Apr 11 Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena arrived in Kargil on Saturday on his first visit to the district and urged council members to work together to achieve the common goal of positioning the Union Territory as the most sought-after tourist destination.
He also assured the members of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, of full cooperation and administrative support.
In a post on X, Saxena said, "I held a meeting with the Chief Executive Councillor, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Member of Parliament, Mohd Haneefa Jan, and representatives of the LAHDC, Kargil, during my first visit to Kargil today (Saturday)."
The Lt Governor said he discussed the issues raised by the council members, primarily concerning tourism promotion, administrative reforms, ease of doing business, strengthening the local economy, and creating job opportunities in the district.
"I assured the members of full cooperation and administrative support. I also urged the council members to work together to position Kargil and Ladakh as the most sought-after tourist destination," he said.
Earlier in the day, the Lt Governor inaugurated the Apricot Blossom–Chuli Mendok Festival in Darchiks.
Addressing the gathering, he expressed deep admiration for the breathtaking beauty of the Aryan Valley and its people.
Describing Ladakh as the "crown of the nation," Saxena expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve the people of Ladakh.
He assured the public that the administration remains committed to working for their welfare and development in a time-bound manner.
Welcoming the large number of tourists present at the festival, the Lt Governor urged them to share their experiences of Ladakh's unmatched beauty, serene environment, and warm hospitality with others.
He emphasised that ensuring the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of tourists is the responsibility of both the administration and the people of Ladakh.
"Ladakh has the potential to emerge as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations not only in India but across the world," he said. Saxena reiterated his administration's commitment to promoting tourism in a sustainable and inclusive manner and ensuring that local communities benefit from increased tourist footfall while preserving the region's unique cultural and ecological identity.