New Chief Secretary pitches for balancing Ladakh’s ecology, youth aspirations

Highlighting Ladakh’s fragile ecology, the new Chief Secretary of the Ladakh UT, Ashish Kundra, articulated a vision of development rooted in environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.

Soon after assuming the charge from Pawan Kotwal, Kundra emphasised Ladakh’s ecologically fragile landscape and said that growth in the region must be carefully planned, climate-sensitive and people-centric.

Advertisement

He cautioned that unchecked and reckless construction in the name of development could have serious consequences.

He underlined that addressing sustainability and climate change concerns must remain central to Ladakh’s development roadmap.

The new Chief Secretary of Ladakh outlined key priorities for the administration, asserting that it must gear up to meet the economic aspirations of the youth while unlocking the vast economic potential of the Union Territory.

Emphasising Ladakh’s rich civilisational legacy, he said the region has long been a symbol of peace, a heritage that must be carefully treasured and preserved even as it moves forward on the path of development.
Kundra reaffirmed his commitment to effective governance, transparent administration, and inclusive development across the Union Territory.

He emphasised the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms, enhance service delivery, and ensure the timely implementation of developmental programmes aimed at the welfare of all sections of society.

Highlighting the importance of teamwork, accountability, and responsiveness, the new Chief Secretary stated that addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh would remain a key priority of the administration.

He laid emphasis on accessible administration which reaches out to all parts of the Union Territory in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas’.

The Administrative Secretaries and senior officers of the UT Administration welcomed Kundra and expressed confidence that his vast administrative experience and leadership would further strengthen governance and accelerate the overall development of the Union Territory.

Earlier, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was accorded to Kundra at the UT Secretariat, Leh, following his assumption of charge as the Chief Secretary.