Context

Ladakh has been made a Union Territory along with the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India

About

• Ladakh is a mountaneous region which is sandwiched between Karakoram Range in North and Himalyan Range in the South.
• It is composed of two districts:
  • Leh – It is the 2^nd largest district of India and it covers more than half of the area of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Kargil – It lies near Line of Control. Zanskar Range is a part of Kargil.

Analysis

Negative Implications

• Due to the expected change in demography and commercialisation of the region. Its unique ecological and cultural value may get affected
• Since the region is prone to international disturbances from China and Pakistan, a large portion of pasture land will be occupied by military personnel. This will affect the farmer community
• There is no evidence that coming under direct control of the central government would certainly lead to greater development of the region. For instance, the level of development in Andaman and Nicobar is not very impressive.
• The autonomy of Ladakh’s Autonomous Hill Development Council which was already on a decline will further reduce.

Positive Impact

• Currently, there is no medical college, engineering college or a management institution anywhere in Ladakh. Now, new start-ups, businesses and the government will create new infrastructure and boost development along with the creation of new jobs.
• The people of Ladakh will be brought to the mainstream Indian society.
• The increased tourism will bring significant revenue, which could be used to create additional social infrastructure.