By Jigmet Dadul
LEH: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WAPCOS Ltd for various projects worth Rs 3,500 Cr for next ten years on Saturday.
The MoU was signed by LAHDC Chairman Rigzin Spalbar and Chairman and Managing Director (C&MD) WAPCOS Ltd R.K Gupta.
Thanking LAHDC for showing confidence in WAPCOS, the C and MD RK Gupta assured that by virtue of WAPCOS experience and expertise they leave no stone unturn in successfully developing this region as per the MoU.
Terming it a historical movement, Spalbar said that Ladakh requires special attention and treatment and by keeping in view the tropical condition of Ladakh, it needs unique solution in terms of consultancy and technology.
He said Ladakh has been turned into government parasite by depending on its subsidised items, tourism and army which are not permanent. He stressed for sustainable development by focussing on agriculture and exploitation of natural resources available. He assured that by signing this MoU with a definite goal, plan and vision will culminate most of these issues.
The various project heads included in the MoU include River front development, Soil erosion control, Indus bank protection, Agriculture, Horticulture, Tourism, Power, Eco friendly transportation, Master planning of Indus, Shayok, Sciachen river basins within the authority of LAHDC and arranging sanctions of these projects expected to be Rs 3,500 Cr Within span of 10 years.
As per the MoU it is agreed that LAHDC shall provide all assistance as desired from time to time via its official, providing required infrastructure, necessary sanctions, right of surveys and investigations, short term and long term deputation of selected personnel’s as part of WAPCOS team. LAHDC further agreed to provide finance to fund these studies as per norms, further to assist this study transport and accommodation and office space of upto 5,000 sqft free of cost and free of rent starting immediately with a single room.
