14th meeting of State Board for Wildlife held
LEH: The Government of Ladakh, in its 14th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife on Wednesday at the Civil Secretariat, stressed the critical need for world-class solid and liquid waste management systems in the highly sensitive and ecologically fragile Karakoram and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuaries.
While reviewing 16 infrastructure projects of the Indian Army, Power Development Department (PDD), and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) located inside the two sanctuaries, the Government granted conditional approval to all proposals, underlining that national security and defence preparedness must go hand-in-hand with iron-clad environmental protection.
Emphasising zero tolerance for ecological damage, the Government directed full compliance with guidelines issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment. Every project will mandatorily implement mitigation measures outlined in the Biological Impact Assessment Reports to prevent disturbance to Ladakh’s unique high-altitude biodiversity.
Reiterating binding Supreme Court directives from the M.K. Ranjitsinh vs Union of India case, the Government mandated the installation of bird-flight diverters, insulated cables, and avian collision-prevention devices on all new power lines and infrastructure to protect migratory birds and vulnerable avifauna.
Highlighting Ladakh’s irreplaceable natural treasures, high-altitude wetlands and habitats of globally threatened species, the administration asserted that sustainable development in strategically vital border areas must synchronise with uncompromising conservation efforts to preserve the region’s pristine heritage for future generations.
The Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was directed to ensure establishment, upgradation and strict maintenance of waste treatment facilities, including segregation, scientific processing, and safe disposal using modern technologies.
A complete ban on dumping of leftover food or garbage outside operational complexes was ordered.
Earlier, APCCF Ladakh S. Rajesh presented an overview of recent conservation initiatives undertaken by the department, including Wildlife Week 2025 activities, International Snow Leopard Day programmes, and efforts to mitigate waste-related threats to wildlife habitats.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal; DGP Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal; eminent wildlife expert Dr. M.K. Ranjitsinh Jhala; Administrative Secretary Rudra Goud PT; ADDC Leh Sonam Nurboo; and senior officials from the Wildlife Department, PDD, Army and BRO.
Earlier in the day, a dedicated online service for sanctioning new domestic and commercial water connections through the Ladakh eSeva platform was launched in Ladakh marking a major leap in digital public service delivery in the Union Territory.
The newly introduced system enables residents to apply for tap water connections and track their application status online, eliminating paperwork, avoiding repeated office visits, and ensuring a smoother, more citizen-friendly process.
The eSeva Water Connection Service will bring services closer to people, strengthen transparency, and improve administrative efficiency in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India.
The service will significantly accelerate processing timelines and enhance the ease of doing business in the region.
PHE Department was instructed to put in place a robust and streamlined water fee collection mechanism to ensure long-term service quality and financial sustainability.
Earlier, Administrative Secretary PHE, Rahul Sharma, presented an overview of the portal’s design and objectives.
He highlighted that the system is aligned with the Union Government’s push for digital transformation and shared upcoming plans to integrate fee collection for water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, to be managed by local Pani Samitis.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, State Informatics Officer Shri Sunil Kaul, Senior Director NIC UT Ladakh Shri Punchok Paldan, and senior officials from NIC and the PHE Department.
