The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife is set to discuss proposals for diverting land in Ladakh's protected areas for military facilities this week. These include areas from the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, home to endangered species like snow leopards. The moves highlight tensions between strategic defence needs and ecological preservation in the border region.
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife will meet this week to consider several defence proposals involving the diversion of protected lands in Ladakh. Ladakh's strategic importance stems from its borders with China to the east and Pakistan to the west, prompting these military infrastructure needs.
Key proposals include the use of 24.2 hectares from the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary for a Formation Ammunition Storage Facility at Tsogtsalu. Another seeks 40 hectares from the same sanctuary for a Brigade Headquarters at Chushul in Leh. The sanctuary supports species such as the Tibetan Wolf, Wild Yak, Bharal, Wild Dog, Snow Leopard, and Brown Bear.
The meeting agenda notes: “The area (Chushul), though devoid of any trees cover as per joint survey report, falls within the Protected Area and as such attracts the provisions of section 29 of (Wildlife Protection) Act 1972. The user agency shall ensure that there is no damage to the landscape of the area during the execution of the project and must comply with the existing norms to reduce the impact of the project on local habitats.”
This follows the Brigade Signals Company's relocation from Jalipa, Barmer in Rajasthan to eastern Ladakh in September 2024, now temporarily at Nimmu. A permanent headquarters at Chushul is deemed essential.
A deputy conservator of forests' site inspection report highlights the area's support for rare and endangered species, including breeding sites for the Black-necked Crane and Bar-headed Goose. The Union environment ministry states: “The chief wildlife warden and State Board for Wildlife have recommended the proposal, which has been forwarded by the state government. While the proposal may be considered due to its strategic importance, it is essential to ensure minimal ecological disturbance in this fragile cold desert.”
Additional proposals involve 48.6 hectares from Changthang for a training area at Tara; 8.16 hectares from the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary for an army camp in Leh; and 9.46 hectares from Karakoram for an artillery battery in Leh. The Karakoram sanctuary hosts the Tibetan Antelope, Shapo, Wild Yak, Bharal, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Mouse, and Eurasian Lynx.
These discussions underscore the challenge of balancing national security with wildlife protection in ecologically sensitive zones.