DD Correspondent
Nubra, Ladakh (India): Administrative Secretary, Tourism, UT Ladakh, Sanjit Rodrigues (IAS), on Thursday attended the Sand Dunes Festival 2026 at Hunder as the chief guest, highlighting the need to promote sustainable tourism while protecting Nubra’s fragile ecosystem.
Deputy Commissioner Nubra Mukul Beniwal (IAS) and Superintendent of Police Nubra Stanzin Losal (JKPS) were the guests of honour. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nubra Jigmet Raftan (JKAS) and former Deputy Chief Executive Councillor Tsering Angchuk were present as special guests.
The festival began with the traditional Shondol dance, followed by a series of cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of the region.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjit Rodrigues said the growing influx of tourists to Nubra has brought greater responsibility to preserve its environmentally sensitive landscape. He urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards sustainable tourism, effective waste management and environmental conservation, while assuring continued support from the UT Administration for the promotion of tourism in Ladakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Mukul Beniwal described the Hunder Sand Dunes as an ecologically fragile landscape and stressed that their protection and cleanliness should remain a top priority. He said tourism must be responsible and community-driven, encouraging a shared sense of ownership among residents and visitors alike.
The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the public to support the ban on single-use plastics, contribute towards making Nubra a drug-free district, comply with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and urged tourists to avoid prohibited activities that could harm the environment.
Superintendent of Police Stanzin Losal highlighted the measures being taken to ensure the safety and security of tourists, including the deployment of police personnel at key tourist destinations and improved traffic management. He also spoke about ongoing awareness campaigns aimed at making Nubra a drug-free district.
Former Deputy Chief Executive Councillor Tsering Angchuk emphasised the importance of sustainable tourism and called upon all stakeholders to work together for the promotion and preservation of Nubra’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from heads of various departments, tourists from across the country and local residents, making it a vibrant celebration of Nubra’s rich cultural traditions and scenic beauty.