Leh: The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has cancelled over 1,000 kanals of land allotted to climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL).
An official order issued by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, on August 21 revoked the allotment of 1,076 kanals and 1 marla at Phyang village, citing non-utilisation of land as per lease conditions. Officials said the land, originally sanctioned in 2018 for 40 years, had lapsed in 2019 under the rules.
Ladakh Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal clarified that the decision was “purely administrative and procedural” and not politically motivated. “The cancellation is based on lease terms. There is no link with the conspiracy theories being circulated,” he said.
Reacting to the move, Sonam Wangchuk addressed a press conference in Leh and termed the cancellation “political harassment.” He argued that HIAL has been functioning for several years, with more than 100 students having completed courses, many securing jobs, and research in solar-heated, carbon-neutral buildings gaining global recognition. He alleged that the institute’s registration as a de novo university has been deliberately delayed because of his activism on Ladakh’s special status and Sixth Schedule demand.
The administration, however, maintains that the decision is part of enforcing accountability and lawful use of public land, with similar measures taken across institutions. The land now reverts to government ownership and the Tehsildar has been directed to update revenue records.
The cancellation is expected to intensify the political debate in Ladakh, where Wangchuk’s activism has drawn national attention and polarised public opinion.
