Advisor Dr Pawan Kotwal Reviews Progress of Vibrant Village Programme, Emphasizes Sustainable Infrastructure Development in VVP Villages

Leh, July 30, 2024: The Advisor to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal, convened a meeting to review the progress of schemes and works under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) at the Civil Secretariat, Leh.

Nodal Officer of the VVP/District Magistrate of Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, presented a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, highlighting the status of works under VVP. He apprised the meeting that out of 437 works with an estimated cost of Rs. 1278.99 crore submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs under VVP, 18 works have been approved with the approved cost of Rs. 19.07 crore, comprising 12 works under the School Education department under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, 5 works under the National Health Mission of Health Department, and 1 work under the Vibrant Village Programme.

He provided a detailed update on actions taken since the last meeting on 27^th May 2024. The drawings and designs of the Veterinary First Aid Centre with passive solar design, Yak Cheesemaking and packing units at Chushul, Sato, Kargyam, and Phobrang, Common Yak Wool Carding Centre, Craft Centre for women at Dubuk, Community Rest House, Community Hall cum Library at Mudh, Multi-purpose stadium, ice hockey rink, and AstroTurf stadium presented in the meeting.

The Advisor directed the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department and Department of Youth Services and Sports Department to revisit the design of the Yak Cheese-making centers, and indoor stadium. He briefed the meeting that the Veterinary Aid Centre shall be consulted as per the standard norms of Indian Veterinary Science.

The Nodal Officer informed the Advisor about activities in VVP villages, the saturation of centrally sponsored schemes, and the status of approved and proposed projects submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs. He informed the meeting of 33 new works submitted on the VVP Portal for approval, including community halls, veterinary first aid centers, sports infrastructure, and Anganwadi centers.

The Advisor Dr Pawan Kotwal emphasized the importance of complete insulation of pipes and walls and solar-powered power for buildings. He highlighted sustainable usage of the new infrastructure in VVP villages. He directed agencies to expedite ongoing works and ensure timely fund utilization.

Dr Pawan Kotwal emphasized the importance of incorporating local elements in the design and architecture of buildings in VVP villages. He urged concerned departments to prioritize the usage of local products and materials, ensuring that the buildings blend seamlessly with the regional aesthetic. It promotes sustainable development, and preserved the unique cultural identity of the villages, he added.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner/Secretary of Health & Medical Education, Ladakh; the Commissioner/Secretary of the Social & Tribal Welfare Department, Ladakh; the Administrative Secretary of Food & Supplies, Ladakh; the Administrative Secretary of Power Development Department, Ladakh; Administrative Secretary of PWD & I&FC, Ladakh; District Magistrate, Leh (Nodal Officer of VVP); Chief Engineer of PWD (R&B), Ladakh; Director of Animal Husbandry, Ladakh; Superintendent Engineer of PWD, Ladakh; Superintendent Engineer of PHE and I&FC, Ladakh; Chief Planning Officer, Leh; Deputy Director of Planning, Ladakh; Under Secretary of School Education, Ladakh; Under Secretary of Rural Development Department, Ladakh; Assistant Director of Planning, Ladakh; District Youth Service & Sports Officer, Leh; and concerned officers, while Chief Engineer of PHE and I&FC, Ladakh joined the meeting virtually.