Page 24 - NIS English 01-15 Aug 2025

COVER STORY | Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh
‘New Ladakh, New Beginning
Pace of development gains speed
after Article 370’
n Construction of a 50 MW solar power plant was
started by the Solar Energy Corporation of India
(SECI) in Leh.
n E-vehicle policy notified by the Union Territory of
Ladakh.
Solar water heaters were
19,755 distributed in the last four
years, reducing 36 kiloton of
carbon emissions per year.
Solar lift irrigation pumps
72 installed in drought-prone
areas of Ladakh.
5,25,374
Tourists visit Ladakh in
record year 2023.
proved to be very effective in this. For the first time in
the history of Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh, more than
98 percent voting in the Block Development Council
elections were recorded, which is a testimony to
the large participation of the electorate. By bringing
democracy to the grassroots level, the aspirations of
the people are being given a new opportunity so that
the great heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
can be strengthened. Women and children have
22 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || August 1-15, 2025
n 2 tourist circuits, 9 tourist routes, and 30 trekking
routes opened.
n Construction of a 170-bed hospital in Kargil has
started.
100%
population covered
under the Ayushman
Bharat Digital Health
Mission.
n Proposal to start a medical college in Leh and
an engineering college in Kargil.
17,500
Tablets were given to
students from class
six to 12th so that
they can study online.
n 40 astronomy labs and 24 Atal tinkering
and robotics labs were established in higher
secondary schools.
n Indus Infrastructure Development
Corporation was established with equity
capital of Rs 25 crore. It will promote
industrial development.
crore is being invested by the
r640 Airport Authority of India to
construct a modern airport in Leh.
gained the rights that were forfeited on marrying
outside the state. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
are also rapidly developing infrastructure. The work
on long-pending projects has gained momentum,
while the world’s tallest railway bridge, built on the
Chenab, is making every Indian proud. When con-
nectivity improves in any nation, it strengthens both
tourism and industry. From carpets to saffron, from
apples to Basmati rice, the fragrance of Jammu and