Leh, Nov 19 — Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, has called for urgent upgrades to solid and liquid waste management systems across the ecologically fragile Karakoram and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuaries, even as he cleared multiple strategic projects of the Army, BRO and Power Development Department.
Chairing the 14th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife at the LG Secretariat, the Lt Governor approved 16 proposals located inside the two protected areas. He stressed that while defence and infrastructure expansion remain crucial for securing Ladakh’s borders, all agencies must follow strict environmental safeguards without exception.
The approvals were granted only after mandating full adherence to the Biological Impact Assessment Report, ensuring construction and operations do not disturb local biodiversity. Gupta also reiterated compliance with Supreme Court directions in M.K. Ranjitsinh vs Union of India, which require installation of bird-flight diverters, cable insulation and other avian safety mechanisms on new infrastructure.
Highlighting Ladakh’s globally significant wildlife—from high-altitude wetlands to habitats of vulnerable species—the LG said sustainable development in sensitive border zones must progress hand-in-hand with conservation. He directed the Army and BRO to establish and rigorously maintain modern waste-treatment facilities, and imposed a complete ban on dumping food or garbage outside operational areas.
Earlier, APCCF Ladakh S. Rajesh briefed the Board on recent conservation initiatives, including Wildlife Week 2025 and International Snow Leopard Day programmes, and measures to reduce waste-related threats to wildlife.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, DGP Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, wildlife expert Dr. M.K. Ranjitsinh Jhala, Administrative Secretary Rudra Goud PT, ADDC Leh Sonam Nurboo, and senior officials from the Wildlife Department, PDD, Army and BRO.
