In Brief
- The Office of the Tehsildar, Leh, issued a notice dated November 1 to Gitanjali J. Angmo, CEO of HIAL, directing the institution to suspend activities at Desert Flower School pending ongoing High Court proceedings.
- Local authorities alleged that HIAL initiated academic classes and operations without obtaining required clearances, managing committee approvals, or a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner.
- Labeling the order a "shahi farmaan" (royal decree), Wangchuk remarked, "Close schools and open liquor bars," claiming the administration is engaged in a targeted witch-hunt against democratic voices in Ladakh.
- Wangchuk defended HIAL's educational legacy, highlighting recommendations from India's Parliamentary Committee on Education and features by TIME Magazine and London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
Legal Dispute Triggers Administrative Notice
A major feud has erupted between climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Ladakh administration following an official directive ordering HIAL to halt activities at its Desert Flower School in Phyang. The notice, issued on November 1 by the Tehsildar's Office in Leh to HIAL co-founder and CEO Gitanjali J. Angmo, instructs the alternative education center to halt its operations.
The administration cited pending proceedings before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh regarding land allotment disputes. Authorities also alleged that the school commenced classes without mandatory regulatory consents, proper NOC clearances, or approved managing committee documentation.
'Close Schools and Open Liquor Bars': Activist Hits Back
Responding publicly to the directive, Sonam Wangchuk expressed deep frustration with the administration's priorities. Posting on social media platform X and speaking to media personnel in Leh, Wangchuk termed the directive a "shahi farmaan".
"Stop education, prevent children from becoming educated, keep schools closed, but make alcohol more accessible and push the entire region towards alcoholism. This is how these policies appear to us," Wangchuk stated. He further alleged that a systematic "witch-hunt" is underway to suppress local democratic voices advocating for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.
Global Standing vs. Local Red Tape
Defending the institution’s credibility, Wangchuk pointed out that HIAL’s innovative eco-friendly educational models have earned global and national acclaim.
He noted that India’s Parliamentary Committee on Education had previously recommended replicating HIAL's learning framework nationwide. Additionally, the institute's projects have been showcased at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and featured in TIME Magazine's 100 Climate Solutions list. "And yet, they want it closed!" Wangchuk stated, questioning the motives behind targeting an institution focused on sustainable mountain learning.
Next Steps
HIAL management confirmed it has formally submitted its legal response to the Leh administration's notice. Both sides are currently awaiting further orders from the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which will determine whether the school can resume classes.
