Leh, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Leh, September 12 — Vinay Kumar Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, has instructed officials to resolve the rights and claims of local communities in the protected wildlife areas of Hemis, Changthang, and Karakoram within the next two months.
This decision was made during the 16th State Board for Wildlife meeting held on Friday. Saxena emphasized that the initiative aims to clarify the long-standing traditional rights and settlements of local communities.
In a post on the social media platform X, he noted that the previous sub-committee’s report regarding the final delineation of wildlife areas has been set aside. He criticized the report for being based solely on theoretical assessments and for failing to adhere to the mandatory provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Saxena pointed out that the earlier process did not adequately address significant concerns related to defense and national security, nor did it consider the genuine rights and worries of local communities that have inhabited these areas for generations.
He stressed that the upcoming process must be conducted in accordance with the law and with active participation from local residents. All district commissioners and settlement officers have been directed to promptly restart public hearings to gather objections and suggestions from the community. They are expected to complete this process within the stipulated two months.
Saxena believes that this decisive step will alleviate the long-standing uncertainty surrounding the traditional rights of Ladakh’s people and their settlements in these regions. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen the conservation of Ladakh’s unique and important wildlife.
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