Ladakh L-G urges Rajnath Singh to augment air connectivity

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Monday called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and held a detailed discussion on strengthening welfare initiatives and connectivity measures for the Union Territory, particularly during the winter months when the it remains cut off from the rest of the country.

A spokesperson said during the meeting, the L-G apprised Rajnath of the unique challenges faced by the people of Ladakh owing to extreme climatic conditions and limited accessibility during the prolonged winter season.

He sought the Ministry’s continued support in extending humanitarian assistance under Operation Sadbhavana, an initiative of the Army that has been instrumental in promoting goodwill, education, healthcare and community welfare across remote regions of Ladakh.

Gupta emphasised the need to further augment air connectivity to ensure uninterrupted supplies and emergency movement during the winter period. He requested the continuance of air services between Kargil– Thoise– Chandigarh and also proposed enhanced air maintenance services between Leh and Delhi to facilitate essential logistics, passenger movement and medical evacuations when road access remains closed due to heavy snowfall.

Rajnath Singh appreciated the concerns raised by the L-G and assured all possible assistance from the Ministry of Defence.