Ladakh admin directs Sonam Wangchuk-founded school to halt activities pending High Court verdict
According to the notice, the administration received information that classes and other activities at Desert Flower School Phyang, Leh, had started without obtaining the requisite consent, clearances or approvals from competent authorities
The Ladakh administration has instructed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, headed by innovator Sonam Wangchuk, to suspend operations at its Desert Flower School until a High Court verdict is delivered. The directive was issued on November 1, 2026, through a notice from the tehsildar's office in Leh, addressed to Gitanjali J. Angmo, who serves as co-founder and CEO of the institute.
Angmo is Wangchuk's spouse. The administration learned that the Desert Flower School in Phyang, Leh, commenced classes and activities without obtaining the necessary permissions from authorities. The notice also mentioned a September 22 communication from Angmo seeking a no-objection certificate for prospective members of the school's managing committee.
HIAL operates under the institute's umbrella. The administration pointed out that a matter involving HIAL is currently under consideration by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Due to ongoing judicial proceedings, the tehsildar advised HIAL and Angmo to refrain from taking any further steps pertaining to the school's functioning or the initiation of activities until the matter is conclusively decided by the High Court or until further guidance is provided.
The notice also emphasized the importance of preserving the status quo, urging against any action that could disadvantage the case pending before the High Court.
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