Leh, August 7: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Union Territory Administration to assess disaster preparedness and formulate immediate preventive measures in response to the recent spate of landslides and rockfalls across Ladakh.
The meeting comes after repeated landslides and rockfalls in recent days caused extensive damage to villages, disrupted traffic on key highways and raised concerns over public safety.
Safety Audits Ordered on Vulnerable Routes
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor directed all concerned agencies to conduct immediate safety audits of identified high-risk stretches along the:
- Leh–Kargil National Highway
- Khardung La Pass
He instructed officials to identify vulnerable zones and implement long-term engineering solutions to reduce the risk of landslides and ensure safer road connectivity.
Advanced Engineering Measures
To strengthen slope stability and mitigate future disasters, the LG directed the deployment of modern engineering techniques, including:
- Rock bolting
- Flexible ring nets
- Soil nailing
- Smart landslide detection and monitoring systems
These technologies are aimed at preventing rockfalls, stabilising mountain slopes and providing early warning of potential hazards.
Shift from Reactive to Proactive Approach
While appreciating the prompt rescue operations and road-clearance efforts undertaken by the Army, BRO and civil administration, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to move beyond emergency response.
He called upon all agencies to adopt a proactive disaster management strategy, focusing on preventive planning, infrastructure strengthening and continuous monitoring rather than reacting only after disasters occur.
Priority on Human Safety and Connectivity
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to public safety, the LG said the foremost priorities are:
- Safeguarding human lives
- Protecting critical infrastructure
- Ensuring uninterrupted connectivity
- Maintaining safe travel for residents and tourists
- Strengthening disaster preparedness across Ladakh
Multi-Agency Coordination
The review meeting highlighted close coordination among the Indian Army, BRO and the UT Administration to improve disaster resilience in the region, particularly along strategically important highways that serve both civilian populations and defence logistics.
Officials said continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas and timely implementation of preventive measures will remain a key focus as Ladakh continues to experience weather-related challenges during the monsoon season.