SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday hoisted the National Flag at the historic Polo Ground in Leh and took the salute of marching contingents as Ladakh celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour.
Addressing the gathering, Saxena paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured India’s Independence and laid the foundation of its democratic journey. He also saluted personnel of the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, Ladakh Scouts, police and the Border Roads Organisation guarding the country’s borders in Ladakh’s challenging terrain and harsh climate.
The L-G highlighted the creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory in 2019 as a significant milestone in its development journey. He said the administration, with the support of the Centre, has focused on strengthening infrastructure, governance, healthcare, education, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, water security, connectivity and social welfare.
Saxena said five new districts — Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass — along with 17 new tehsils and 16 new engineering divisions, have brought administration and public services closer to the people. He also highlighted the ongoing process of establishing Hill Councils in all seven districts to strengthen grassroots democracy.
On tourism and connectivity, the LG said Ladakh had received more than 3.30 lakh tourists by the end of July this year, nearly 98 per cent of the total tourist arrivals recorded during the whole of 2025.
He said Ladakh’s road network has expanded from 1,799 km before the formation of the UT to more than 4,200 km, while the number of bridges has increased from 19 to 72. Projects such as the Zojila Tunnel and Leh Bypass, he said, are further strengthening all-weather connectivity.
Emphasising sustainable development, Saxena highlighted initiatives including Project Him Sarovar, Himalayan rock check dams, the Indus River Green Corridor, expansion of tap-water coverage, renewable energy projects and geothermal wells at Puga.
He also underlined efforts to strengthen the Pashmina sector, including the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board, incentives for more than 1,200 pashmina producers and an ₹8 crore revolving fund to ensure timely payments.
The L-G expressed gratitude to farmers, Changpa herders, teachers, doctors, nurses, health workers, engineers and citizens for their contribution to Ladakh’s development. He urged the youth to acquire knowledge, embrace innovation and make use of emerging opportunities.
Stressing the need to balance development with environmental protection, Saxena said future generations must inherit a Ladakh that is prosperous, peaceful, vibrant and ecologically sustainable.
He expressed confidence that Ladakh would continue to contribute to the national goal of “Viksit Bharat @2047” with the support of the Centre.
The march past featured contingents from the CRPF, RAF, ITBP, CISF, Ladakh Police, Ladakh Police Commando and ex-servicemen, besides NCC cadets from the first and second Ladakh Battalions. Students from schools across Leh, Kargil, Drass, Nubra, Sham, Changthang and Zanskar also participated.
A demonstration by the Ladakh Police K-9 Squad and a performance by the Ladakh Police Women Pipe Band were among the highlights. Cultural performances were presented by the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, as well as schools and educational institutions from across the Union Territory.
Government Higher Secondary School Padul secured first place in the march past, followed by GN National Public School and Jaffaria Academy of Modern Education. In cultural performances, Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School stood first, followed by Sindh Public School and Government School Leh.
Lieutenant Governor’s Appreciation Certificates were also conferred on officials and organisations for exemplary work. The family of late Col Sonam Wangchuk (Retd.) received the dPal rNgam Duston Lifetime Achievement Award, while His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa was conferred the dPal rNgam Duston Award 2026.
