Nyoma Collector orders time-bound inquiry into Land and Grazing Rights in Changthang

NYOMA: The statutory inquiry to determine land ownership, customary use and traditional grazing rights within the High Altitude Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Changthang, has resumed, with the designated Collector directing officials to complete the process within a fixed timeline.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Nyoma, acting as Collector under SRO-302 dated August 21, 2007, convened an inter-departmental stakeholder meeting following directions issued by the Commissioner/Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, UT Ladakh, on August 21.

The sanctuary covers ecologically sensitive landscapes alongside traditional grazing areas, local habitations and government and defence installations. The Collector directed officials to undertake a transparent, evidence-based and participatory exercise while accounting for conservation and security considerations.

A public notice will be issued through Gram Panchayats and remote habitations, inviting claims relating to land ownership, customary use and traditional grazing rights within the prescribed statutory period.

Tehsildars of Nyoma, Durbuk, Chumathang and Anlay, in coordination with the Wildlife, Forest, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry departments, have been directed to prepare village-wise inventories covering private, community, government and pastoral land.

Officials will use GPS/GIS mapping, geo-referencing and satellite imagery for joint ground verification. Wildlife authorities will simultaneously map critical habitats and animal movement corridors.

Given the sanctuary’s border location, surveys involving defence installations will be conducted with police and defence authorities under applicable security protocols.

The Collector clarified that the resumed proceedings will not legitimise fresh encroachments or unauthorised construction undertaken after applicable statutory cut-off dates.

Claimants will be given an opportunity of hearing before final speaking orders are issued. Field officers have also been directed to submit fortnightly progress reports to ensure timely completion of the exercise.