Dr Afroz Ahmad flags Lake Protection, Plastic Waste and Encroachment in Leh

NGT expert seeks tighter safeguards for Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem

LEH: National Green Tribunal (NGT) Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad has called for stronger safeguards to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, flagging the need to prevent encroachment around lakes and wetlands, tighten enforcement against plastic waste and improve waste management while ensuring strict compliance with the tribunal’s environmental directions.

Chairing a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh on compliance with NGT orders concerning the District Environment Plan, Dr Ahmad stressed clear demarcation of lake boundaries, installation of boundary markers and stronger monitoring to protect ecologically sensitive areas. He called for coordinated action by district authorities, local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions, with particular attention to Ramsar sites Tso Kar and Tsomoriri.

The meeting reviewed pollution control, conservation of natural resources and waste management in Leh district, including the pressures arising from increased tourist arrivals during the summer months. Officials presented details of air and river-water quality monitoring undertaken by the Ladakh Pollution Control Committee and reported that monitored parameters generally remained within prescribed standards at designated locations.

Enforcement of the single-use plastic ban and implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, also came under review. Measures discussed included stricter inspections, penalties for violations, four-way waste segregation and awareness campaigns in local languages. Dr Ahmad suggested exploring community radio to spread awareness about responsible waste disposal, particularly in remote areas.

The administration outlined existing waste management infrastructure, including around 30 Solid Resource Management Centres across rural areas. Door-to-door collection, plastic recycling and the use of processed multilayered packaging in road construction were discussed, alongside the need to strengthen electronic waste collection and disposal.

Leh’s reported waste-processing capacity of around 30 tonnes per day and the registration of approximately 100 bulk wet-waste generators were also noted. These generators are required to compost wet waste and hand over segregated dry waste. Officials further discussed seasonal pressure on waste systems, faecal sludge treatment and the possible reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation.

The meeting also reviewed air and water quality monitoring and traditional dry-toilet practices, which allow human waste to be converted into manure and can help reduce untreated sewage discharge into rivers. Plantation initiatives involving apricot, apple and sea buckthorn in municipal parks and along canals were highlighted as part of efforts to expand green cover.

Appreciating the environmental initiatives undertaken in Ladakh, Dr Ahmad emphasised science-based interventions, stronger interdepartmental coordination and effective implementation of safeguards on the ground. He stressed that protecting rivers, lakes and wetlands, preventing encroachment and improving waste management require sustained enforcement as well as community participation.

The meeting was attended by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, UT Ladakh, Rajesh; Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk; Senior Superintendent of Police Fulzele Piyush Nirakar; Mandeep Mittal of the Indian Forest Service; and officers from various departments of the UT Administration. It concluded with an emphasis on stronger coordination and effective implementation of the District Environment Plan for Leh.