Introduction: Under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Ladakh Union Territory (UT) Administration has generously provided land for the resettlement of the Maque and Chushul Jangthang communities in Leh. A comprehensive survey, followed by the formation of a committee, identified destitute families in need of support. Based on these findings, the CTA allocated funds for housing construction, with budgets tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries. A project committee oversaw the tender process and construction arrangements, based on lump sum and labor contracts.
Project Progress: In mid-April, CTA officials, along with an architect, visited Leh to meet beneficiaries and the project committee, marking the official start of construction and emphasizing the need for timely completion. The project commenced in May, with the construction of 27 homes for destitute families. The foundation phase has been completed under the supervision of the appointed supervisor and project committee, and regular meetings ensured adherence to construction plans and engineering specifications. All work was completed as per the engineer’s design and the collaborative efforts of the project committee.
Besides the 27 families who received full support, 15 other families received partial support based on the comprehensive survey. Out of 15, 9 families have completed their own construction, remaining 6 will begin their construction in next financial year.
Conclusion: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kashag & the Department of Home, CTA for promptly sanctioning the budget and addressing the urgent need for shelter among the destitute families in Leh. These families, who had been surviving by selling their livestock, can now look forward to a more stable and secure future. Our sincere thanks also go to the generous donors who supported this resettlement project, providing hope and a new beginning for those in need.
Mr. Dhondup Tashi
Chief Representative Officer
Sonamling Tibetan Settlement
UT Ladakh