The Administrative Secretary of the Tourism Department, UT Ladakh, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Leh to discuss the management and cleanliness concerns surrounding the renowned Chumathang hot springs.
The meeting was aimed at discussing short term & long term measures required for preservation and protection of this natural attraction and ensuring its sustainable development for the benefit of both locals and tourists.
Detailed discussion was held on immediate measures required and long term measures being incorporated in the DPR being prepared for development and sustainable management of the ‘Hot Springs’ at Chumathang. The following measures have been identified for immediate action and long term planning :-
A cleanliness drive has to be organised on 22nd May involving the departments of Tourism, BRO, Rural Development, The Local Panchayat, Councilor of the area, BDC and Panchayat Members of the area and NGOs’ who are working on preservation and development of the ‘Rong’ area. There has to be sustained drive now onwards.
Instalment & operationalisation of the mobile toilet facility immediately. DC/CEO, LHADC, Leh will ensure immediate action.
The Councilor, LAHDC of Chumathang Constituency & BDC will identify suitable patch of land downstream for relocation of the existing BRO establishment from the existing location near the ‘Hot Springs’. Project Himank, BRO has agreed to this suggestion. Accordingly, DC/CEO, LAHDC, Leh will be requested for formal allocation of the identified land at the earliest.
Director, RDD and DC/CEO, LAHDC, Leh will identify the existing structures around the Hot Springs which are in a dilapidated condition and majority of them non-functional. This exercise is important for incorporation of the area for development in the DPR being prepared as per approved action plan.
The NGOs working in the area will assist Leh Development Authority (LDA) in preparation of the DPR.
Community participation in the entire exercise is required to make the plan successful.
The RDD will ensure collection of solid waste and its disposal at regular intervals.
All the stakeholders and Tourism department & RDD will create awareness among the locals who are running restaurants, hotels, shops etc. near the ‘Hot Springs’ to ensure achieving the goal of litter free and open defecation free Chumathang. The NGOs will actively participate in this exercise.
The meeting was attended by the Director Tourism, Kunzes Angmo; Col. Vijay Goyat, Project HIMANK; ACD, Leh Sonam Nurboo; Councilor, Chumathang, Thinles Nurboo; BDC Chairperson, Rong Chumathang, Jigmet Yountan; Assistant Director, Tourism, Tsering Spalzes; OSD/Under Secretary to Administrative Secretary, Tourism department, Muhammad Ali Tak; Project Manager, Secure Himalayas, UNDP, Tanuj Nagpal besides Project Associate, Secure Himalaya, UNDP, Stanzin Namdol and Anub Tsetan Paljor.
