Chairman/CEC, Tashi Gyalson convenes meet on Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) scheme at Council Secretariat, Leh

Leh, May 31 :Chairman/CEC, Tashi Gyalson convened a meeting regarding the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) scheme in presence of Executive Councillor for Culture, Stanzin Chosphel; Executive Councillor for Minority, Ghulam Mehdi and Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan (IRS) at Conference Hall, Council Secretariat, Leh.

While briefing about the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, the Secretary (Tourism) informed that under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Leh and Kargil towns have been approved for development as major tourist destinations in the UT of Ladakh.

The Department of Tourism, UT of Ladakh has completed all the modalities, and the MoT in consultation with the Tourism Department, UT of Ladakh has completed the process of selection of ‘Project Consultant’ for the UT of Ladakh. The Secretary pointed out that the scheme has a very tight time schedule and hence a coordinated and well-planned methodology is required to identify critical tourism-related infrastructure, preparation of master-plan, and preparation of DPR.

The Secretary requested the CEC, Advocate Tashi Gyalson and the ECs present in the meeting, The State Mission Director and the Destination Management Committee Chairman and its Members, and more importantly the tourism-related stakeholders to contribute to planning long-term beneficial creation of assets/amenities in & around (close-vicinity) of Leh Town. The projected limit of the projects under this scheme would be around Rs. 70 cr, which will be fully funded by the MoT, Government of India.

A detailed presentation on the proposal related to Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme for Ladakh was given by Voyant Solutions, Project Development Management Consulting agency for the project Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for the UT of Ladakh.

Discussions on various aspects of the scheme were held, where ideas and proposals have been discussed & deliberated upon. Regarding identification of tourism products, location etc. the participants suggested that it should be in and around Leh city to attract maximum tourists and improve the experience of staying at Leh. It has been felt by the participants that the overall vision of the scheme being ‘sustainable & responsible tourism’, the UT Ladakh needs to adhere to the highest standards of planning and execution.

CEC, Gyalson opined that the projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme should be identified and implemented in a way that will enhance local tourism activities and create more jobs and contribute to the local economy. He also stressed on consolidation of developing infrastructure for more sustainable and responsible tourism.

CEC also directed the consultants to visit the sites. He also mentioned the on-going projects showcasing and emphasizing new ideas which will attract more local and international tourists.

CEC Gyalson emphasised on the following immediate actions which includes Identification of tourism related products for development; Identification of land/space for the identified products; Coordination amongst the LAHDC; The State Mission Director; The Destination Management Committee; The Tourism Stakeholders and the Project Consultants; Preparation of master-plan and DPR by the project Consultants.

Director, Tourism Department, Ladakh; President Municipal Committee, Leh; Superintending Engineer, PWD; Chief Planning Officer, Leh; AD Information, Leh; Dy. SP, Headquarter Leh; AD (Tourism), Leh; Functional Manager, DIC Leh; President ALTOA; President ALHAGHA; VP Voyants and concerned officials were present in the meeting.