Secretary Tourism Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan underlines importance of development of historical structures at Sodh, Chiktan
KARGIL, JULY 08, 2021: Secretary Tourism Ladakh Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan visited various faith and heritage sites and historical structures in Sodh and Chiktan area here today.
The Secretary was accompanied by Director Tourism Kunzes Angmo, Assistant Director Tourism Aga Syed Toha, Executive Engineer Kargil Development Authority Sajjad Hussain Wazir, Under Secretary Tourism Arifa Iqbal besides other concerned officers.
The Secretary took stock of the progress of development works at the historical mosque at Yurbaltak and instructed the concerned officers to complete the work as soon as possible. He further directed to develop the new structure with a combination of both local and Islamic architecture. The mosque is said to be as old as Passar Khar.
Secretary Mehboob Ali Khan also visited various antiquities and rock carvings in Sodh area. He visited the Maitreya Buddha Statue at Apati which is a Ghandhara Art type statue built in 8th to 12th Century, and instructed the concerned officers for development and beautification of the area around the statue and footpath to the historical site.
The Secretary Tourism also visited the shrine of famous cleric Sheikh Ibrahim at Apati and discussed the scope for development of public convenience and water facility at the heritage site for the pilgrims. He also visited the old mosque and Pew Khar at Barchay.
Secretary Mehboob Ali Khan also visited Shashi Lake where he took stock of the site protection walls, need for development of tourism infrastructure in the area and other related facilities. He instructed the concerned officers to demarcate a separate area for picnickers and tourists to avoid pollution in and around the lake.
A public delegation including BDC Chairperson and Panchayat members submitted a memorandum demanding strengthening, raising walls and extension of Shashi Lake. They also demanded to develop a new water reservoir at Pilong Thang Sandow.
The Secretary instructed the concerned officers to conduct survey for exploration of trekking routes in Sodh and Shakar Chiktan area and to train youth as tourist guides to ensure proper risk free trekking on the route.
Secretary Khan further visited Gasho, Yogma Kharbu and Lamsoo where the inhabitants submitted memorandum regarding issues like provision of water facilities for irrigation, development of mobile connectivity and promotion of tourism in the area.
The Secretary gave a patient hearing to all issues raised by the locals and assured them of suitable follow-up measures.
