Ladakh looking for ways to offset losses: L-G

Arun Joshi

Jammu, May 1

Lt-Governor RK Mathur, who has completed six months as the first head of the UT Administration of Ladakh, admits that despite severe loss of work due to harsh winters and Covid-19, Ladakh is determined to come out of it, with the stakeholders actively involved in finding a way forward.

• Interview: Covid losses severe, but we shall overcome: Ladakh L-G Mathur

Ladakh became UT on October 31, 2019, when severe winters had just begun. Then came Covid-19, adding to the difficulties of the region. Despite suffering more than 50 per cent GDP loss owing to loss of tourism season, L-G Mathur told The Tribune in an exclusive interview that the UT, in consultation with stakeholders, was seeking a way forward.

“We have lost a significant amount of working time, given the restricted working season of 6-7 months. Also, the tourism industry, which contributes more than 50 per cent to Ladakh’s GDP, has suffered a severe setback.

“Contractors, private entrepreneurs and small-scale industrialists have suffered too,” the L-G said, adding that Ladakh was working on ‘Ladakh Vision: 2050’ to make the UT a carbon-neutral region.