The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, to halt activities at Desert Flower School in Phyang, Leh, until a pending land dispute is decided by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. 

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The notice, issued by the Leh tehsildar’s office on November 1, was addressed to Gitanjali J. Angmo, HIAL’s co-founder and chief executive officer. The administration said the school had begun classes and other activities without the required consent, clearances or approvals. It directed the institute to maintain the status quo until the court delivers its decision or issues further directions. 

The dispute follows the Ladakh administration’s cancellation of HIAL’s land allotment in August 2025. The institute challenged that decision before the High Court. The land, covering more than 1,076 kanals, had been allotted for an educational initiative focused on sustainable mountain development. 

Angmo has rejected the notice as baseless, arguing that the administration delayed the required no-objection certificate. HIAL has also said the school already had 50 children aged between three and five enrolled in kindergarten, warning that the directive could affect them. 
The administration’s notice cites the ongoing court proceedings as the reason for restricting further school activities. The dispute remains unresolved, and the latest directive does not amount to a final judicial ruling on the land allotment or the school’s approvals.