Administration orders immediate halt to Sonam Wangchuk's school activities in Leh

The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by Sonam Wangchuk, to immediately cease all activities and classes at the Desert Flower School located in Leh. The administration cited an ongoing legal dispute regarding land allotment and the lack of necessary approvals as reasons for this order.

A notice was issued by the office of the Tehsildar, Leh, on 1 November, 2026. This notice was addressed to Geetanjali J. Angmo, co-founder and CEO of HIAL, who is also the wife of Sonam Wangchuk. The administration issued this instruction in the context of the management and activities of the Desert Flower School.

According to the administration, information has been received that classes and other activities were commenced at the Desert Flower School located in Phyang, Leh, without obtaining the necessary consent, clearance, or approvals from the authorities. This school operates under the ecosystem of HIAL.

The notice also mentions that on 22 September, Geetanjali Angmo had written a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Leh requesting 'No Objection Certificates' (NOC) or clearances for the proposed members of the managing committee of the Desert Flower School. However, the administration claimed that activities in the school had already been started before the necessary approvals were obtained.

The administration noted that matters pertaining to HIAL are currently sub judice before the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Therefore, the Tehsildar has advised HIAL and Geetanjali Angmo not to undertake any kind of action to commence the management or activities of the school until a final decision is taken by the High Court on this matter or until any other direction is issued by the administration.

The administration has issued strict instructions to maintain 'status quo'. The administration warned not to undertake any action that could adversely affect or prejudice the proceedings of the case pending in the High Court.

The background to this entire incident is linked to a long-standing dispute regarding the land allotted to HIAL. In May 2018, 1,076 Kanals and one Marla of land were allotted to HIAL at Phyang Thang to establish an alternative university focusing on sustainable development in the Himalayan region. This land allotment was made for a lease of 40 years, subject to certain conditions.

However, on 21 August, 2025, the Ladakh administration cancelled this land allotment. According to the administration, the institution had not completed the lease-related formalities and had also not established the university for which the land was allotted. Challenging this decision, HIAL approached the High Court, and the institution's writ petition is currently under consideration in the High Court.

Sonam Wangchuk has alleged in this regard that the land dispute is being used to target him due to his activism.

This notice issued by the administration now creates an administrative hurdle for the potential functioning of the Desert Flower School, which will remain in effect until the High Court verdict.