Ladakh administration directs Sonam Wangchuk-founded school to halt activities
The Himalayan Institute of Alternatives must stop operations at Desert Flower School until the High Court reaches a decision.
The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) to stop all activities at Desert Flower School in Phyang, Leh, according to reports by The Times of India, The Hindu and ThePrint.
The notice, issued by the Office of the Tehsildar, Leh, on November 1, 2026, was addressed to HIAL co-founder and CEO Gitanjali J Angmo. The school operates within the HIAL ecosystem founded by climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk.
The administration alleged that classes and other activities at the school had commenced without obtaining the necessary consent, clearances or approvals from the concerned authorities. The notice noted that Angmo had previously written to the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, on September 22 to seek a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for proposed members of the school's managing committee.
The Tehsildar advised Angmo not to undertake any further action regarding the functioning or commencement of activities at the school while a matter concerning HIAL is pending before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The administration further directed Angmo to strictly maintain the status quo. The notice cautioned that no action should be taken that could prejudice the case currently sub judice before the High Court.
The administrative restraint remains in place until the matter is finally decided by the High Court or until further directions are issued.