Associated News Bureau

Ladakh Administration Directs HIAL’s Desert Flower School to Suspend Activities Pending High Court Verdict

Leh, November 3: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) to refrain from commencing classes and undertaking any other activities at its Desert Flower School in Leh, citing the absence of requisite official approvals and the pendency of a land allotment dispute before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In a notice issued to Dr. Gitanjali J. Angmo, Founder and CEO of HIAL, the administration expressed serious concern over the reported commencement of school activities without obtaining the necessary consent, clearances and approvals from the competent authorities. The administration observed that the issue concerning land allotment to HIAL is already under judicial consideration and cautioned that proceeding with the school's functioning could potentially prejudice the proceedings pending before the High Court. According to the notice, Dr. Angmo had approached the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, through a communication dated September 22, 2026, seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and clearance for the proposed members of the Managing Committee of Desert Flower School at Phyang, Leh, under the HIAL ecosystem. However, the administration stated that it subsequently came to its notice that the school had commenced functioning without obtaining the requisite permissions and clearances from the concerned authorities. The notice further recalls that the UT Administration cancelled the land allotment to HIAL in August 2025, following which the institute approached the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh through a writ petition. The matter is currently pending adjudication. In view of the ongoing judicial proceedings, the administration has advised HIAL to maintain strict status quo and refrain from undertaking any activity related to the functioning or commencement of classes at Desert Flower School until the High Court delivers its final decision or issues further directions. The notice, issued by Tehsildar Leh on November 1, 2026, makes it clear that any further action concerning the school's functioning must remain subject to the outcome of the pending legal proceedings and directions of the competent court. ANB