STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday highlighted the urgent need for strengthened solid and liquid waste management systems in the strategically sensitive and ecologically fragile regions of the Karakoram and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Chairing the 14th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife at the LG Secretariat, the Lt Governor reviewed and approved 16 projects proposed by the Indian Army, Power Development Department (PDD) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) within the protected zones.
He emphasised that while defence preparedness and infrastructure development are crucial for national security in Ladakh’s frontier areas, they must advance in strict accordance with environmental safeguards.
The Lt Governor reiterated the need for complete compliance with directives issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment to ensure that construction and operational activities do not adversely affect local biodiversity. All project approvals were granted with the mandatory condition of implementing recommendations from the Biological Impact Assessment Report, which assesses both the positive and potential adverse impacts on Ladakh’s high-altitude ecosystems.
He underscored the binding Supreme Court directives in M.K. Ranjitsinh vs Union of India, which mandate installation of bird-flight diverters, cable insulation and collision-prevention mechanisms in all new infrastructure to reduce risks to avifauna species inhabiting the region.
Highlighting Ladakh’s unique biodiversity-from high-altitude wetlands to habitats of globally vulnerable wildlife-the Lt Governor stressed that developmental initiatives must proceed with the highest level of ecological responsibility. He affirmed that sustainable development in strategically critical border regions must align with conservation priorities to preserve Ladakh’s natural heritage for future generations.
The Lt Governor directed the Army and BRO to establish, upgrade and strictly maintain modern waste treatment systems, ensuring proper waste segregation, scientific processing and safe disposal. He also ordered a total ban on dumping leftover food or garbage outside operational facilities.
Earlier, APCCF Ladakh S. Rajesh presented an overview of recent conservation efforts, including activities held during Wildlife Week 2025, observance of International Snow Leopard Day, and initiatives to mitigate waste-related threats to wildlife habitats.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, DGP Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, eminent 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.