Ladakh Cancels Land Allotment for Sonam Wangchuk’s Institute

Rapid Summary

• The Ladakh governance has canceled the land allotment made in 2018 to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Option Learning (HIAL) at Phyang village, Leh.
• HIAL was allotted 135 acres of land on a 40-year lease but failed to establish a university as recognized by law or meet conditions for executing a lease agreement within stipulated timelines.
• The order states that the allotment lapses back into state ownership under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Progress Council (LAHDC), with instructions for record adjustments and encumbrance removal.
• Sonam Wangchuk, known for his education reforms and environmental initiatives, led recent protests including an indefinite fast in Delhi demanding constitutional safeguards and tribal inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh.
• Civil society groups in Ladakh have repeatedly protested since its designation as a Union Territory in 2019, seeking statehood, protection of land and culture, and better employment opportunities.
• Mr. Wangchuk could not be reached for comment; however, HIAL’s stated mission is sustainable education aligned with nature.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The cancellation of land allotment to Sonam wangchuk’s institute reveals administrative challenges surrounding developmental projects post-Ladakh’s transition to Union Territory status in 2019. While legal stipulations appear unmet regarding lease agreements and project execution by HIAL, this decision may also resonate amidst local concerns about preserving cultural identity and resources.

Sonam Wangchuk has been vocal about safeguarding Ladakhi rights,advocating measures such as sixth Schedule inclusion-aimed at protecting regional autonomy-and consistently engaging civil society thru hunger strikes or peaceful protests. This move possibly adds tension between activists aiming to nurture sustainable growth models like HIAL’s vision and authorities enforcing regulations strictly.

As dialog resumes between leaders from Leh-Kargil regions with government representatives following activism efforts led by Mr. Wangchuk earlier this month, balancing development aspirations while ensuring compliance could emerge central ahead resolving local governance-expectations holistically.read More: Published Article