Previous Table-Top Exercise Set Aside; Public Hearings to Resume for Local Communities
Leh, September 12: In a major step towards safeguarding the rights and interests of local communities while ensuring effective conservation of Ladakh’s unique wildlife, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, has directed the completion of the long-pending “rights and claims settlement” exercise in the protected areas of Hemis, Changthang and Karakoram within two months.
The decision was taken during the 16th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, where the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for a lawful, participatory and transparent process that adequately addresses the concerns of local communities and takes into account vital national security and defence considerations.
The previous sub-committee report concerning the finalisation of wildlife boundaries has been set aside, as it was found to have been based on a table-top exercise that did not adequately follow the mandatory provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The exercise had also failed to sufficiently consider critical defence and national security concerns as well as the genuine rights and interests of communities that have been residing in these areas for generations.
Emphasising that conservation and community rights must move forward together, the Lieutenant Governor directed all concerned Deputy Commissioners and Settlement Officers to immediately resume public hearings for receiving objections, suggestions and claims from local residents.
The concerned authorities have been instructed to complete the entire exercise within two months, bringing long-awaited clarity to the traditional rights, claims and habitations of communities living in and around these protected areas.
The Lieutenant Governor underlined that the process must be conducted in accordance with the law and through meaningful participation of the people concerned. The decision seeks to ensure that the voices of local communities are duly heard before any final determination concerning their traditional rights and settlements is made.
The move marks a significant step towards resolving longstanding issues concerning communities living in some of Ladakh’s most ecologically sensitive and strategically important regions.
At the same time, the administration remains committed to protecting Ladakh’s distinctive wildlife and fragile ecosystems. The participatory settlement process is aimed at achieving a balanced approach that protects both the legitimate rights of local communities and the unique wildlife heritage of Ladakh.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that completion of the exercise within the stipulated timeframe would provide greater legal clarity and certainty to local communities while strengthening the overall framework for wildlife conservation and management in the Union Territory.
“A lawful and participatory approach is essential to ensure justice for our local communities while firmly safeguarding Ladakh’s distinctive wildlife,” the Lieutenant Governor maintained.If you want, I can also make 5 very punchy newspaper-style headlines for this press note.
