Leh, April 27, KDC: Ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to Ladakh, the Union Territory Administration on Monday notified the creation of five new districts, taking the total number of districts in the region from two to seven.
The decision was approved by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who described the move as a historic milestone aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating development in remote and far-flung areas of the Union Territory.
The five newly created districts are Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass. With the latest notification, Ladakh now has seven districts including the existing Leh and Kargil.
Officials said three districts—Nubra with headquarters at Diskit, Sham with headquarters at Khaltse, and Changthang with headquarters at Nyoma—have been carved out of Leh district. Two districts—Zanskar with headquarters at Padum and Drass with headquarters at Drass-Ranbirpura—have been carved out of Kargil district.
The Administration according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com said the move would significantly improve administrative efficiency, reduce travel distances for residents of remote areas, and ensure faster delivery of public services at the grassroots level.
LG Saxena said the decision was aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed and prosperous Ladakh. He said the step reflects the Government of India’s commitment to balanced, inclusive and sustainable development in the Union Territory.
Officials added that the creation of new districts is also expected to generate employment opportunities through establishment of administrative offices, infrastructure projects and allied services, while also boosting entrepreneurship and local economic activity.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had approved the formation of five new districts in August 2024 and had directed the Ladakh Administration to constitute a committee to examine related aspects. The panel later held consultations across the region, conducted field visits and submitted its final report. (KDC)
