Ladakh marks UT Foundation Day as LG highlights 7 years of transformation

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday attended the "dPal rNgam Duston 2026" celebrations at Leh Palace, marking the seventh anniversary of Ladakh becoming a Union Territory. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the region's development since the change in status and reiterated the administration's focus on sustainable growth, improved governance and public service delivery.

LG highlights seven years of transformation

The event commemorated Ladakh's Union Territory Foundation Day and brought together people amid cultural celebrations at the historic Leh Palace.

Speaking on the occasion, Saxena described August 5 as a landmark in Ladakh's history and said the annual celebration has grown into a symbol of the region's identity and aspirations.

"The journey of Ladakh as a Union Territory has been one of transformation, resilience and collective progress. Our endeavour has been to build an inclusive, sustainable and future-ready Ladakh while preserving its unique cultural identity and fragile ecology.

The remarkable achievements across governance, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, education, environment and sports reflect the collective efforts of our people and the unwavering support of the Government of India under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. As we move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, we remain committed to building a prosperous, peaceful and self-reliant Ladakh that offers equal opportunities to every citizen," the Lieutenant Governor said.

Focus on infrastructure and sustainable development

The Lieutenant Governor said the administration has concentrated on decentralised governance and sustainable development over the past seven years. He also outlined progress across sectors such as road connectivity, public services, healthcare, renewable energy and tourism since Ladakh became a Union Territory.

He said Ladakh has emerged as a model for environmentally sustainable development, citing the ban on chemical fertilisers, the push towards becoming India's largest certified organic region, the launch of Project Him Sarovar for water conservation, the Green Ladakh Campaign, restoration of degraded land and the promotion of solar and geothermal energy initiatives.

Highlighting the progress made since Ladakh became a Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor said the region has witnessed significant development across multiple sectors.

Administrative districts have increased from two to seven, while tehsils have more than doubled. The road network has expanded from 1,799 km to 4,063 km, and the number of bridges has risen from 19 to 72. Connectivity has also improved with reduced road closures on the Zoji La and Kargil-Zanskar routes, more helipads and greater grid connectivity.

The administration also pointed to better access to drinking water, healthcare and telecommunications, with functional household tap connections rising from 3.5 per cent to 99 per cent, hospital beds increasing from 824 to 1,554, mobile towers nearly doubling and homestays growing from 158 to 2,275, alongside a major expansion in greenhouse cultivation and off-grid solar capacity.

Awards announced on Foundation Day

During the celebrations, Saxena announced the "dPal rNgam Award 2026" for His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche in recognition of his contributions to spiritual leadership, humanitarian service and the preservation of Ladakh's cultural heritage.

He also announced the "dPal rNgam Lifetime Achievement Award 2026" for Late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Maha Vir Chakra, in recognition of his military service and contribution to the nation.