Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Jan 31: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) completed construction of 27 homes in Agling Tibetan settlement in Leh, the capital of Union territory of Ladakh on Wednesday for Tibetan nomad families who belonged to the remote villages of Maque and Chushul near the Indo-Tibetan border.
The project aims to relocate nomadic families from the challenging terrain of Changthang region to more habitable areas. In 2020, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council allocated 31 Kanal and 15 Marla of land (approximately 172,878 square feet) for the construction of these homes, providing a foundation for the initiative. The construction of the homes began in May last year and took eight months to complete.
Following a survey conducted by CTA’s Department of Home in April 2023, the project implemented a tiered financing scheme based on household financial capacity. Of the 53 beneficiary households identified, 27 received full financing, while others qualified for varying levels of support: two households at 75%, ten at 50%, and three at 25%. Eleven families opted to fund their construction independently. Apart from the 27 houses that were fully financed by the CTA, some of the homes which were partially funded are completed as well. The rest of the units are still under construction.
The Jangthang Tibetan settlement, established in 1982, remains one of the most underdeveloped Tibetan refugee settlements in India due to its remote location. The Changthang settlement spans nine clusters across the Changthang plains near the border of Tibet, covering approximately 25,000 square meters. These clusters namely Hanley, Chumur, Sumdo, Nyoma, Samedh, Puga, Kharnak, Makhul, and Chushul are situated near the Indo-Tibetan border and experience severe climatic conditions.
Residents in these remote settlements endure extreme hardship, particularly during the winter months when temperatures plummet well below freezing point. The lack of basic infrastructure, including electricity, further exacerbates their challenges. The compounding effects of climate change and economic constraints have accelerated migration trends, with many individuals relocating to Leh, the capital of the Ladakh Union Territory, in pursuit of better economic and living conditions.
Great job! Appreciate honourable Home Secretary Palden Dhondup’s diligent and genuine support for the compeletion of rehabilitation project. Fortunately, former Ladakh MP Jamyang Namgyal and many Ladakhi dignitaries along with Ladakh Hill Council organisation has been truly and sincerely helping Tibetan settlement on humanitarian ground. They also deserve gratitude and deep appreciation.