Ladakh administration orders halt to activities at Sonam Wangchuk's school

The administration in Ladakh has served notice on Desert Flower School, instructing the institution to stop all classes and activities with immediate effect. According to officials, the school has been conducting educational programmes without obtaining the requisite approvals from relevant authorities, constituting a violation of administrative protocols.

The notice represents an escalation of tensions surrounding the school, which has been at the centre of a prolonged land dispute. Authorities contend that the institution commenced operations at the site without completing the necessary legal formalities and clearances required under local regulations.

Desert Flower School, founded by environmental activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk, has garnered attention for its innovative educational model focusing on sustainable development and environmental consciousness. However, the institution's operations in Ladakh have faced administrative hurdles over land ownership and usage rights.

The administration's directive marks a significant setback for the school's operations in the region. The notice effectively suspends educational activities pending resolution of the underlying land dispute and completion of all requisite administrative procedures.

The matter underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding land governance and institutional establishment protocols in Ladakh, particularly concerning projects with high public visibility. Officials have indicated that operations may resume only after all outstanding legal and administrative issues are satisfactorily resolved.