Power sector of Ladakh takes a leap owing to significant investment through Centrally Sponsored Schemes, UT budget

Shows growth of 280 percent as per NTL released by NRSC  

LEH, 17 February: The normalised Night Time Light (NTL) radiance in India jumped 43 per cent in 2021 as compared to 2012, the latest data from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) showed as reported by The Times of India. The night light is used by economists to track the economic growth of regions across the globe.

According to NTL Atlas, released by Isro’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), some states saw a growth of over 400 per cent in the past decade.

“Significant increase was observed in Bihar (474 per cent), Manipur (441 per cent), Ladakh (280 per cent) and Kerala (119 per cent), while a good increase was observed in Arunachal Pradesh (66 per cent) Madhya Pradesh (66 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (61 per cent) and Gujarat (58 per cent),” it said.

It is pertinent to mention that in Ladakh over the last few years, there has been tremendous amount of infrastructure building works ongoing in Ladakh through centrally sponsored schemes such as RGGVY, SAUBGAHYA, IPDS, RAPDRP, DDUGJY & PMDP etc.

Around 318 Distribution transformers, 101 KM HT Line and 94 KMS of LT line have been installed under the IPDS, RAPDPR and PMDP Urban Schemes.  60 Villages electrification have been completed under the DDUGJY and PMDP Rural Schemes which also included installation of DTs and HT/LT Line.

The Union Territory, within its own budget has ensured for infrastructure development in the power sector and within the last three years only, 406 Nos New Distribution Transformers, 383 KM of HT Line, 315 KMs of LT line have been added in the Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh.

Further, with the approval from Central Government, the 220 KV Nubra Zanskar transmission line works has started from 2022 which will ensure 24X7 reliable and quality power in the Nubra and Zanskar Regions of Ladakh.

The culmination of the above investment in the power sector of Ladakh in the last decade has resulted major improvement in the power availability scenario of Ladakh. The improved availability and quality of power to the people has made significant contribution in making the winter life of Ladakh easier and has pushed a lot of economic activities also.

The UT has further ensured the sustainable development of Ladakh and its carbon neutral ambitions. All the DGs except for Off grid regions of Changthang, Nubra and Zanskar Regions have been phased out.