Ladakh Administration directs Sonam Wangchuk-founded HIAL to halt operations at school

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh administration issued a directive ordering the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), to stop all administrative and educational operations at Desert Flower School, which was co-founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and HIAL CEO Gitanjali J. Angmo.

The formal notification issued by the Tehsildar, Leh office prohibits the institution from beginning or continuing academic operations until the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has adjudicated the land and administrative issues.

No clearance issued and premature launch noted

The administrative findings indicated that HIAL began campus operations and academic operations at Desert Flower School before obtaining the necessary statutory clearances and the No Objection Certificate (NOC).

NOC application: According to HIAL CEO Gitanjali J. Angmo, she wrote to the Deputy Commissioner, Leh on September 22, 2026, requesting approval for the school managing committee members under the HIAL framework.

Premature commencement: The local authorities confirmed the classes took place before the administration approved the required approvals and verified the committee members.

Violation of law: Operating without the requisite NOCs violates the local laws relating to the establishment of educational institutions within the territory.

Administration orders immediate status quo

Pointing out the ongoing sub judice proceedings in the High Court, the tax authority has ordered HIAL management to strictly maintain the status quo.

"It is therefore advised that no steps relating to any aspect of the functioning or initiation of activities should be taken for the time being, until the matter is resolved by the Hon’ble Court," a notice from the Tehsildar Leh stated.

A warning was issued to the HIAL management to avoid doing anything that could interfere with the ongoing court processes over the land allocation and rights of operations at Phyang.

This order brings up a new phase in a long-running dispute over the land of 1076 kanals allotted to HIAL.

The administration maintains that HIAL has failed to observe the relevant conditions regarding land lease and legal obligations.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk and a spokesperson for the HIAL claim there has been no breach involved but charge the administration to resort to a politically motivated witch-hunt due to the ongoing campaign to demand Sixth Schedule inclusion and statehood for Ladakh.

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