Leh, Oct 13 (KNS): The Ladakh administration has set a target of increasing the Union Territory's Pashmina goat population to four lakh by next year and introduced a 25 per cent subsidy for wool growers, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said on Tuesday.

Chairing the first meeting of the Union Territory's Advisory Council in Leh, Saxena said the measures were aimed at strengthening the Pashmina sector and improving livelihoods of Changpa herders, who depend on livestock rearing in Ladakh's high-altitude regions.

The meeting reviewed several development priorities, including water security, agricultural sustainability, employment generation, tourism, heritage conservation, infrastructure development and administrative reforms.

According to the administration, Ladakh has also recorded sea buckthorn production of 2,200 tonnes this year, while a processing plant is being established in Nubra to support value addition and improve market access.

Saxena said the administration was seeking to expand the commercial potential of sea buckthorn, a crop associated with Ladakh's cold desert environment.

He referred to a Sea Buckthorn Conclave organised earlier this year as part of efforts to promote the sector.

Water availability and the impact of climate change on Ladakh's fragile ecosystem also figured prominently during the discussions.

The Lieutenant Governor outlined Project Him Sarovar, an initiative proposing the construction of water storage ponds to capture glacial and snowmelt runoff for future use.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He said improving water storage infrastructure was necessary to address long-term water security challenges in the region.

Saxena also expressed concern over the impact of global warming on glaciers, stressing the need for preventive measures to protect water resources and strengthen climate resilience.

He asked Advisory Council members to suggest practical interventions for environmental protection, tourism development and employment generation.

The council also discussed measures to strengthen agricultural sustainability, preserve Ladakh's cultural heritage and improve administrative functioning.

Among those attending the meeting were Ladakh MP Mohammed Hanifa Jhaan, LAHDC Kargil Chief Executive Councillor Dr Mohammed Jaffer Akhon, Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Ashariya Kargil president Sheikh Nazir Mehdi and Anjuman-e-Sahib-Zaman Kargil representative Syed Ahmad Razvi.

Retired IAS officer C Phuntsog, retired IFS officer Tsewang Namgyal, the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and other senior officials also participated.

Advisory Council members Sunil Sethi and Jai Prakash Tomar joined the meeting virtually.

The Lieutenant Governor said the council would meet again to review progress on the issues discussed and consider further measures.

However, no specific timeline was announced for the completion of the proposed water storage projects or the sea buckthorn processing facility in Nubra. (KNS)