Ladakh’s New Aspirations

The Tribune 3rd August 2020 Save

Context: The Central government needs to address the concerns, apprehensions and hopes of the people of UT of Ladakh after the abrogation of article 370.

Addressing the aspirations of Ladakh:

Legal safeguard: The Central govt need to come out with an alternative legal safeguard and also notify a domicile law for Ladakh to remove the fear of job insecurity and demographic changes.
Clarification is needed with regards to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council functioning and business rules under the new UT system.
Exploring vacant arid land: In Leh district only 23% of the reporting area is under cultivation. The administration needs to bring more areas under agriculture.
Harnessing Indus water resources of Zanskar, Suru, Dras, Shayok, Galwan and other tributaries for promoting agriculture.
Value based agriculture: Varied agro-climatic conditions provide prospects for horticulture and floriculture industries.

Promoting organic vegetables due to high alluvial soil availability.
Investors should jump for commercial farming of high-value items like lavender, saffron and vine fruits.

Medicinal plants: The region’s medicinal herbs can be opened for both grinding and extraction.

The fruit residue of sea-buckthorn is rich in protein and amino acids known for making juice.
Also setting up mineral water plants, anti-ageing, antioxidant drinks plants.

Livestock sector: Nomadic farming can be expanded. Better technological intervention to make the local wool and woven fabric a world-class product.
Boosting tourism: Ensuring better security environment along with controlled flow of visitors to protect the fragile ecosystem.