Covid losses severe, but we shall overcome: Ladakh L-G Mathur
Arun Joshi
Lt-Governor (L-G) RK Mathur of the Ladakh Union Territory (UT) is very forthcoming about the difficulties that the region has faced during the past six months, particularly with the arrival of Covid-19. The pandemic struck here in the spring, when the UT was yet to come out of the spell of harsh winters and closure of highways due to heavy snowfall.
In an exclusive interview with The Tribune on Friday, Mathur said the losses caused by the pandemic to the tourism sector had impacted more than 50 per cent of the GDP of the UT.
Excerpts from the interview:
What has been the status of Ladakh UT after six months?
The UT of Ladakh was carved out of Jammu and Kashmir state on October 31, 2019, at a time when Ladakh was just entering the long harsh winter months. The development activities, as in every year, were impacted by the severe winter and the closure of national highways due to heavy snow.
Despite Covid losses, we are working on some priority projects like achieving the vision of carbon-neutral Ladakh, preparing a GIS-based decision support system, developing Ladakh Vision, 2050 etc. — R K Mathur, L-G of Ladakh UT
How did the UT administration cope with all this?
The UT Administration ensured better public services in winters through improved power supply, increased supply (up to 8 hours) through DG sets, adequate stocking of essential commodities and POL products, supply of drinking water through additional tankers, airlifting of vegetables, eggs, packaged milk etc for public distribution, helicopter services for lifting stranded people and patients; IAF services to lift passengers from Leh and Kargil to places like Jammu, Srinagar and Chandigarh etc
What more was done?
A planning board of experts was constituted to develop Ladakh Vision, 2050. For developing a blueprint for making Ladakh a carbon neutral region as envisaged by the Prime Minister, a conference was organised in collaboration with the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment. To boost winter tourism, the first Ladakh Winter Conclave was organised with the participation of nationally renowned personalities.
Did Covid 19 impact things?
In the spring, Ladakh was overtaken by Covid-19 pandemic, which changed the priorities of the government to the management of the immediate crisis. Till now, we have succeeded in effective control of the pandemic. We have also focused on establishing an administrative structure to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
In what manner, please
elaborate.
Covid-19 has hampered schemes’ execution on the ground. However, we have focused presently on visioning and planning process for all development. For example, we are working on some priority projects like achieving the vision of carbon-neutral Ladakh, preparing a GIS-based decision support system, developing Ladakh Vision, 2050 etc.
What are pandemic-induced losses in the UT?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have lost a significant amount of working time, given a restricted working season of six-seven months. Apart from this, the tourism industry, which contributes more than 50 per cent of the UT GDP, has suffered severe economic losses. In addition, other groups like contractors, private entrepreneurs, small-scale industrialists and business people etc have also suffered financial losses. We are currently in discussion with all stake holders on the way forward.
What has been the role of the Centre in helping the UT?
Under the Prime Minister Development Programme, the UT of Ladakh has an allocation of Rs 21,000 crore. The schemes are being implemented by various Central government ministries and agencies. In addition, a special development package of Rs 7000 crore has been given till date. These are expected to accelerate the pace of economic development and improve the living standards of the people of Ladakh in the years to come. TNS
