Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Jan 24: Dr Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and Chairman of Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO), presided over the 5th Board of Directors (BoD) meeting in Leh to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing financial sustainability and fostering development across Ladakh.
Bhupesh Chaudhary, Managing Director of SIDCO, presented an overview of the corporation’s projects, achievements, and challenges, emphasizing its critical role in sustainable development. Key agenda items included the construction of Ladakh Bhawan in Chandigarh to support the Ladakhi community and a proposal to introduce hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in collaboration with NTPC to improve public transport.
The Board approved finalizing an MoU for the project, including revenue-sharing mechanisms. Updates to the Board of Directors on the MCA portal, reflecting recent appointments, were also discussed. The Board addressed topics concerning the J&K SC ST & OBC Development Corporation in Leh and Kargil, approving a Rs 30 crore Government guarantee and loan agreement with NMDFC, NSTFDC, NDFDC, and NBCFDC.
Discussions also covered operational and HR matters, the establishment of a SIDCO Energy Hub, delegation of financial powers for efficient decision-making, and the classification of existing buses for roadworthiness. Progress since the previous meeting and alignment of ongoing projects with SIDCO’s vision were reviewed.
Dr Kotwal stressed the importance of balancing Ladakh’s natural beauty with modern infrastructure development, optimizing resources, and adopting sustainable technologies. The Board endorsed a detailed action plan with timelines for upcoming initiatives, reaffirming SIDCO’s mission to drive economic growth and social well-being while preserving Ladakh’s unique environment and cultural heritage. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to transforming Ladakh into a model for sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by, Micheal D’Souza, Administrative Secretary GAD; Bhupesh Chaudhary, MD, SIDCO Ladakh; General K Narayanan, Senior Consultant (Ladakh) NITI Aayog; Dr Safdar Ali, GM Finance SIDCO; Sonam Norbo, Senior Manager SIDCO; Tashi Namgyal, XEn SIDCO; Dr Owais Qadir Jaan, Accounts Officer SIDCO; Stanzin Pasang, District Manager SIDCO Finance (SCST &OBC wing) and Mohd Hussain, Traffic Manager SIDCO Transport.
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