Ladakh: In a significant administrative development, the newly created Drass district in Ladakh witnessed the formal assumption of charge by its top officials, marking an important step in strengthening local governance in the region. Imteeaz Ahmad Kacho has taken charge as Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Drass, while Ishtiyaq Ahmad Kacho has assumed responsibility as Superintendent of Police (SP) Drass, amid a grand public welcome and celebrations by local residents.
The duo’s arrival was met with enthusiastic participation from locals, public representatives, religious leaders, and senior officials, who gathered in large numbers to extend a traditional and ceremonial welcome. The atmosphere in Drass reflected a sense of pride and optimism as residents celebrated the beginning of a new administrative setup in the newly notified district.
According to officials, both officers formally assumed their duties after reaching Drass and taking charge of their respective offices. Their appointment comes as part of a broader administrative restructuring in Ladakh, where new districts have been carved out to bring governance closer to remote populations and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
Locals welcomed the development with celebrations, including distribution of sweets and traditional gestures of hospitality, symbolising community support for the new administrative framework. Many residents described the moment as a “historic and long-awaited milestone”, expressing hope that district status would accelerate development and improve public services in the region.
The newly appointed DC Imteeaz Kacho stated that priority areas for the administration will include connectivity, healthcare, education, and tourism development, with a focus on improving infrastructure in the strategically important border region. He emphasized that coordinated efforts would be made to ensure effective governance and timely delivery of public services.
Similarly, the police administration under SP Ishtiyaq Ahmad Kacho is expected to focus on maintaining law and order, strengthening security arrangements, and ensuring public safety in the sensitive border district. Officials noted that coordination between civil and police administration will be crucial for the smooth functioning of the new district.
The establishment of Drass as a separate district marks a major administrative change in Ladakh, aimed at improving governance efficiency in geographically challenging and strategically significant areas. Drass, often referred to as the “Gateway to Ladakh”, holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the Line of Control and its historical relevance, including its role during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Officials highlighted that the creation of the district and the immediate deployment of senior officers reflects the government’s commitment to decentralized governance and faster development delivery mechanisms. The administration is also expected to focus on improving last-mile connectivity and addressing long-standing infrastructural gaps.
Public sentiment in Drass has been largely positive, with residents expressing optimism that the new district status will lead to better administrative responsiveness, improved welfare schemes implementation, and enhanced development opportunities for youth.
With the new leadership in place, Drass has officially begun its journey as an independent administrative district, marking a new phase of governance, development, and public engagement in the region.
