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The administration has cited the absence of mandatory approvals and an ongoing legal dispute over land allotment
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk with spouse Gitanjali J Angmo. File pic/PTI
The Union Territory of Ladakh Administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), co-founded by activist Sonam Wangchuk and his wife Dr Gitanjali J Angmo, to immediately stop the functioning and activities of its Desert Flower School in Leh, citing the absence of mandatory approvals and an ongoing legal dispute over land allotment.
In a notice issued on November 1, Tehsildar Leh directed Dr AngmoCEO of HIAL, to maintain strict status quo and refrain from commencing classes or undertaking any other activities at the school until the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh delivers its final decision or issues further directions.
The administration said it had taken serious note of reports that Desert Flower School, operating under the HIAL ecosystemhad commenced activities without obtaining the requisite consent, clearances and approvals from the competent authorities.
According to the notice, Angmo had written to the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, on September 22, 2026, seeking an NOC/clearance for the proposed members of the school’s Managing Committee at Phyang. However, the administration said the school had started functioning without securing the necessary approvals.
The administration has cautioned HIAL against taking any action that could prejudice the proceedings pending before the High Court, reiterating that the matter concerning the institute is currently under judicial consideration.
The development comes against the backdrop of the UT Administration cancelling the land allotment to HIAL in August 2025. Challenging the decision, HIAL subsequently approached the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, where its writ petition is pending adjudication.
In its notice, the administration has specifically asked HIAL not to undertake “any action whatsoever” towards the functioning or commencement of activities at Desert Flower School until a final decision is delivered by the High Court or further directions are issued.
At A Glance
The Ladakh Administration directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives to immediately stop the functioning of its Desert Flower School in Leh.
Tehsildar Leh issued a notice on November 1 instructing the school to maintain a strict status quo pending a final decision by the High Court.
The administration cited the absence of mandatory approvals and clearances, as well as an ongoing legal dispute over land allotment.
The UT Administration previously cancelled the land allotment to HIAL in August 2025, prompting the institute to approach the High Court.
The notice effectively places the school’s proposed operations under an administrative restraint pending the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.
About the Author
A defence journalist, Tejinder Singh Sodhi has the distinction of being the only Indian civilian to have studied at the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
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