LEH: Taking note of the developmental activities being restricted due to pending marking of boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks in the union territory, Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) has directed for taking up the matter with the Wildlife Institute of India at the earliest.
The assurances came on Saturday, after a delegation from LAHDC Leh led by its Chairman Advocate Tashi Gyalson and comprising of other councillors met the LG and took with him the issues faced by the people of Ladakh.
Ladakh, it may be mentioned, is home to Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries, besides the Hemis National Park.
However, pending the proper marking of boundaries, the people residing near these wildlife sanctuaries and national park are suffering due to lack of developmental activities in wildlife areas, courtesy the restrictions.
The CEC raised the need for proper rationalisation of the boundaries of Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Hemis National Park and requested for LG’s intervention in finding a permanent solution for the issues.
He also flagged the issue faced by the Ama Tsogspa (Women Association) for the development of a cafeteria due to the restriction imposed by the Wildlife Department for land development near Tsogsti along with the construction of the road in Markha valley.
Councillor Skyu Markha, Sonam Norboo raised issues faced by the people of Markha valley in carrying out various developmental activities due to wildlife restrictions and requested the LG to expedite the construction of the road in Markha valley.
After hearing the grievances, the LG instructed Principal Secretary Dr Pawan Kotwal to inquire about the progress of the process of rationalisation of boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Ladakh from Wildlife Institute of India (WII)-Dehradun and expedite the rationalisation process on a fast-track mode for the benefit of the people of Ladakh.
“The wildlife must be protected without depriving the residents of the valley of basic amenities and livelihood opportunities,” he said.
Advisor, Umang Narula; Principal Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal and Chief Wildlife Warden, Sajjad Hussain Mufti were also present in the meeting.
