Ladakh Administration Asks Sonam Wangchuk's School to Halt Classes Amid Land Dispute

The Ladakh administration has asked the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), co-founded by climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, to stop activities at its Desert Flower School in Phyang, Leh, until a related case is decided by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The notice, issued by the Tehsildar's office in Leh on November 1, 2026, was addressed to HIAL co-founder and CEO Gitanjali J Angmo. The administration alleged that classes and other activities had started at the school without the required permissions and clearances. The notice also referred to a September 22 letter in which Angmo had requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the proposed members of the school's managing committee. The administration asked HIAL to maintain the existing position and avoid taking further steps towards running the school until the court issues a decision or further directions.

Why Has the Ladakh Administration Issued the Notice?

The latest notice is connected to a long-running dispute over land allotted to HIAL in 2018. The administration had allotted around 1,076 kanals and one marla of land at Phyang Thang to the institute for a proposed 40-year lease. The land was intended to support an educational institution focused on sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

However, in August 2025, the administration cancelled the allotment, stating that HIAL had not fulfilled the required conditions, including completing the lease process and paying the stipulated charges. HIAL challenged the cancellation before the High Court. The dispute is still pending.

What Are Sonam Wangchuk and HIAL Saying?

HIAL has disputed the administration's claims and argued that delays in completing the lease process were caused by the authorities. Wangchuk has said the institute made repeated attempts to complete the formalities, including written appeals and visits to government offices. Gitanjali Angmo has also maintained that HIAL applied for the lease deed shortly after the land was allotted.

Responding to the latest notice, Angmo reportedly called it baseless and said the administration had delayed the school's approval process. HIAL has also said that around 50 children between the ages of three and five were enrolled in kindergarten at Desert Flower School. The institute has expressed concern that the notice could disrupt their education.

The land allotment dispute remains before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The administration has asked HIAL to maintain the status quo until the court decides the matter or issues further directions.The latest development raises concerns about the children enrolled at the school and the future of HIAL's educational activities.