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Updated - November 03, 2026 03:03 pm IST
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk. File | Photo Credit: PTI
The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by Sonam Wangchuk, to refrain from proceeding with the commencement of classes and other activities at Desert Flower School, Leh, as it could “prejudice” the proceedings already pending before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, officials said on Tuesday (November 3, 2026).
The direction was issued through a notice dated Sunday (November 1, 2026) by the tehsildar's office in Leh and was addressed to Gitanjali J. Angmo, co-founder and CEO of HIAL. Ms. Angmo is also Mr. Wangchuk's wife.
According to the notice, the administration received information that classes and other activities at Desert Flower School Phyang, Leh, had started without obtaining the requisite consent, clearances or approvals from competent authorities.
It also referred to a communication dated September 22, through which Ms. Angmo had sought a 'no-objection certificate' for proposed members of the school's managing committee. The school operates within the HIAL ecosystem.
The administration noted that a matter concerning HIAL is presently sub judice before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In view of pending judicial proceedings, the tehsildar advised HIAL and Ms. Angmo to not undertake any further action concerning the functioning or commencement of activities at the school until the matter is finally decided by the High Court or further directions are issued, the notice said.
It also called for strict maintenance of the status quo, cautioning against any action that may prejudice the case pending before the High Court.
Published - November 03, 2026 12:59 pm IST
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