Kargil, Oct 15: Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Labour & Employment Department, UT Ladakh, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan on Saturday took stock of the progress of ongoing works of Tourism Development Authority Zanskar and Tourism Department Zanskar, both physical and financial, under State Sector and SDP during a meeting at Tourist Reception Centre, Padum.
Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Zanskar; Block Development Officer, Zanskar; Engineers of TDA, Zanskar, besides other concerned officials were present during the meeting.
The Commissioner/Secretary took detailed review of the ongoing works as on date. He also reviewed the performance of TDA, Zanskar and Tourism Department, Zanskar during the period from April to September, 2023.
Commissioner/Secretary Khan stressed on the concerned officers to expedite the booking of expenditure commensurate with verified physical progress achieved so far, so that the released funds are spent expeditiously. He further directed the concerned officials to submit the excess/surrender statement under State Sector and SDP by 18th October, 2023.
The Commissioner/Secretary instructed the concerned departments to work actively to ensure completion of ongoing projects in a timely manner, so that new projects can be conceived and planned in an effective manner.
Underlining the importance of giving impetus to cleanliness activities, the Commissioner/Secretary stressed that cleanliness drives at regular intervals should be organized in collaboration with the Rural Development Department and tourism stakeholders as per a calendar.
The Commissioner/Secretary directed CEO, TDA, Zanskar to prepare DPR for establishment of video conferencing and audio system at the Conference Hall at Padum. He further instructed the concerned officials to prepare DPRs for improvement/upgradation of TRC, Zanskar premises and Tourist Dak Bungalow, Padum and also winter friendly toilets at the new Taxi Stand, Padum.
The Commissioner/ Secretary also discussed various labour related issues with the Officer Commanding, Yojak, BRO. He emphasised on provision of all necessary facilities to the laborers engaged in BRO works as per labour laws.
Commissioner/Secretary Khan emphasized on the importance of close coordination between the Project Yojak and the local administration in ensuring proper facilities to laborers engaged in BRO works including suitable housing facilities, hygienic toilets at worksite/labour camps, regular health check-ups, compensation in case of accidents/causality and other requisite facilities as per labour laws. He also emphasized on providing opportunity through engagement of local laborers in BRO works.
Later, the Commissioner/Secretary inspected the status of ongoing works of Labor Sarai at Padum and directed the concerned officers to complete the remaining works to make the sarai functional by March next year. He also took stock of the progress achieved on the construction of nature park, compound walling and cafeteria at Ufti and instructed the engineers of ZDA to complete the project by June next year.
The Commissioner/Secretary also visited the Karsha Fotang/convention centre work site, Zongkhul Gonpa, Shila waterfall, Sani tourist facility and directed the concerned officers to expedite the work so that these works are completed and inaugurated by early 2024.
Earlier, en-route to Padum, the Commissioner/Secretary took stock of progress achieved on various tourism development infrastructural projects including tourist reception centers, wayside amenities, viewpoints, eco-parks etc. and directed the concerned officers/ engineers to ensure completion of these projects within the stipulated timelines for the convenience of tourists/visitors ensuring workmanship, quality and quantity parameters as per the DPR/BOQ.
