The Ladakh administration has directed Desert Flower School, linked to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), to stop classes and other activities, alleging that it began functioning without the required approvals.

The notice, issued by the Leh Tehsildar, is addressed to HIAL founder and CEO Dr Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk's wife. It asks her to maintain the status quo and avoid any action that could affect the case pending before the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.

The administration said Angmo had sought a no-objection certificate for the proposed managing committee of the school at Phyang on September 22. However, it alleged that classes and other activities had already started without the necessary clearances. The notice advises her not to proceed with the school's functioning until the court issues further directions or decides the matter.

WHAT IS THE LAND DISPUTE?

The notice comes amid a legal battle over 1,076 kanals and one marla of land allotted to HIAL at Phyang Thang in May 2018 for a proposed university focused on sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

The administration cancelled the allotment on August 21, 2025, alleging that HIAL had failed to complete lease formalities or establish the university. HIAL challenged the decision in court. In September 2026, the High Court restrained the administration from creating third-party rights over the disputed land, but did not overturn the cancellation.

In an affidavit filed in October, the administration claimed the allotment had lapsed in May 2019 because the lease deed was not executed and the mandatory land premium was not deposited. It also said HIAL was not a recognised university and its courses lacked statutory affiliation.

Angmo has contested these claims, saying HIAL applied for the lease deed on May 20, 2018, just 15 days after the allotment, and repeatedly followed up with officials.

Wangchuk has accused the administration of delaying the process, citing five written appeals, 15 visits and 30 phone calls. He has also referred to a February 2021 communication that, according to him, acknowledged delays linked to Ladakh's transition into a Union Territory and the Covid pandemic.

Wangchuk has alleged that the land dispute is an attempt to target him over his activism. The administration maintains that HIAL did not meet the conditions of the allotment.