The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, to suspend all activities at its Desert Flower School in Leh until the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh delivers a final verdict in a case concerning the institute.The case pertains to the administration's cancellation of 1,076 kanals (134.5 acres) and one marla (approximately 270 square feet) of land allotted to HIAL.The Tehsildar's office in Leh issued the notice on November 1 to Gitanjali J Angmo, co-founder and CEO of HIAL and Wangchuk's wife.According to the notice, the administration had received information that classes and other activities at the Desert Flower School in Phyang had commenced without obtaining the requisite consent, clearances or approvals from the competent authorities. The notice also referred to a communication dated September 22, in which Angmo had sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the proposed members of the school's managing committee.

The school operates within the HIAL ecosystem.Referring to the ongoing legal proceedings involving HIAL, the administration said the matter was currently sub judice before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. "In view of the pending judicial proceedings," the Tehsildar advised HIAL and Angmo not to take any further steps concerning the school's functioning or the commencement of its activities until the high court delivers its final decision or issues further directions.The notice also directed the institute to strictly maintain the status quo and cautioned HIAL and its representatives against undertaking any action that could prejudice the matter pending before the high court.The direction effectively suspends all activities at the Desert Flower School until the court delivers its final decision or issues further orders.Wangchuk had joined the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against examination irregularities and the NEET-UG paper leak in July. He launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which he ended after 26 days following discussions with government representatives.- Ends