Hon’ble Dr. Afroz Ahmad Chairs Review Meeting on Compliance with National Green Tribunal Directions for District Environment Plan, Leh

Leh, October 19, 2026: A meeting to review progress on compliance with the judgments and orders of the National Green Tribunal regarding the formulation of the District Environment Plan for Leh was held today at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Leh, under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Dr. Afroz Ahmed, Expert Member of the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi.

The meeting was attended by Shri Rajesh, Indian Forest Service (IFoS), Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF), Union Territory of Ladakh; Shri Romil Singh Donk (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Leh; Shri Fulzele Piyush Nirakar (IPS), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP); Shri Mandeep Mittal (IFS); and officers from various departments of the Union Territory Administration.

A comprehensive review was undertaken of environmental protection measures in Ladakh, with particular emphasis on pollution control, conservation of natural resources and sustainable waste management. The presentation highlighted the region’s strong tradition of environmental stewardship, while noting the pressures arising from increased tourist inflow during the summer months.

The meeting reviewed air and water quality monitoring undertaken by the Ladakh Pollution Control Committee. It was informed that continuous ambient air quality monitoring and periodic testing of river water are carried out at designated locations, with monitored parameters generally remaining within prescribed standards. Traditional dry-toilet practices, which allow human waste to be converted into manure for agricultural use, were also highlighted in the context of minimising untreated sewage discharge into rivers.

The conservation of lakes and wetlands, including Ramsar sites such as Tso Kar and Tsomoriri, was discussed in detail. Hon’ble Dr. Afroz Ahmad emphasised the need for clear demarcation of lake boundaries, installation of boundary markers to prevent encroachment, and stronger monitoring through dedicated lake-level committees. He also stressed the importance of coordinated action by district authorities, local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions in protecting ecologically sensitive areas.

The meeting also reviewed enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics and implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Measures discussed included stricter inspections, penalties for violations, four-way waste segregation and public awareness campaigns in local languages. Hon’ble Dr. Afroz Ahmad suggested exploring community radio to further strengthen environmental awareness and promote responsible waste disposal, particularly in remote areas.

The administration also presented an overview of urban and rural waste management infrastructure, including approximately 30 Solid Resource Management Centres across rural areas. Initiatives for door-to-door collection, plastic recycling and the utilisation of processed multilayered packaging in road construction were discussed. The need to strengthen electronic waste collection and disposal was also highlighted. Leh’s reported waste-processing capacity of approximately 30 tonnes per day and the registration of around 100 bulk wet-waste generators, required to compost wet waste and hand over segregated dry waste, were noted. Seasonal pressures on waste management, faecal sludge treatment and the potential reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation were also deliberated.

Plantation initiatives in municipal parks and along canals, including apricot, apple and sea buckthorn, were highlighted as part of ongoing efforts to enhance green cover and ecological conservation.

In his remarks, Hon’ble Dr. Afroz Ahmad appreciated the environmental initiatives undertaken in Ladakh and emphasised strict compliance with National Green Tribunal directions, science-based interventions and effective interdepartmental coordination. He underscored the need to safeguard rivers, lakes and wetlands, strengthen waste management systems, prevent encroachment and ensure that environmental measures translate into effective action on the ground. He also highlighted the importance of community participation in preserving Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and natural heritage.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening coordination among concerned departments and ensuring effective implementation of the District Environment Plan for Leh.