Approves Defence & PDD Projects; Emphasises balance between security and conservation
STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, chaired the 13th State Board for Wildlife meeting, underlining the need to balance national security priorities with the protection of Ladakh’s fragile biodiversity and high conservation value areas.
Highlighting Ladakh’s strategic significance and ecological sensitivity, the Lt Governor stressed that development must integrate robust environmental safeguards. He recommended the realignment of roads, power lines, and infrastructure to avoid disruption of critical wildlife habitats.
Emphasis was also placed on ensuring all sewage and wastewater be treated through Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) as per environmental norms, especially near wildlife areas. Proper solid waste management was also directed to prevent habitat degradation.
Following comprehensive discussions, the Board granted wildlife clearances for key infrastructure projects. These included defence-related developments and road connectivity works, along with proposals by the Power Development Department (PDD) in the Karakoram and Changthang wildlife sanctuaries. The Lt Governor assured that while strategic and developmental needs are vital, the administration remains committed to environmental sustainability. The meeting witnessed participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including experts, senior government officials, and security representatives. Attendees included renowned wildlife expert Dr. M.K. Ranjitsinh Jhala; Chairman/CEC LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson; Chief Secretary, Dr. Pawan Kotwal; Executive Councillor, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; DGP Ladakh, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal; APPCF Ladakh, S. Rajesh; experts from the Wildlife Institute of India; senior officers from the UT Wildlife Department, Army, and ITBP.
Concluding the session, the Lt Governor reiterated Ladakh’s dual responsibility – securing India’s frontiers and preserving its unique natural ecosystems. He expressed hope that Ladakh would emerge as a model for harmonising national security imperatives with ecological conservation.