SDM Nubra issued a proclamation for settlement of rights for Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary on August 22. 

People are asked to claim and object in writing, if any, to the declaration of the proposed area as a Wildlife Sanctuary and any rights over the land comprised within the limit of Karakoram(Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary within 60 days from the date of issue of the notice/proclamation. 

Congress councilors Stanzin Tsepag and Tundup Nurboo Cheetah raised objections to the issued proclamation stating that it lacks clarity, thus creating more confusion among the people. 
They alleged that the area defined under the proclamation includes not just Nubra valley but areas above the Indus river including, Leh, Phyang, Hanu etc. 

Demanding more clarity, the councilors said, “We understand that declaring wildlife sanctuaries is important for the protection of wildlife and should be concentrated and declared in areas where wildlife exists, declaring human habitat areas under sanctuaries and national park hampers the developmental plans.”

Both the Councillors requested the people to file the objections to the collector before the prescribed time and also assured to assist people if they are finding problems filing the objection.
Responding to the issues raised by the councilors, Sajjad Hussain Mufti (IFS), Chief Wildlife Warden/ Chief Conservator of Forest said that no parts of Leh town, Phyang, Saboo, or Taru fall within the Karakoram Sanctuary limits and there is no proposal to include these areas either. Only the Northern aspect of Khardungla whose water goes towards Shayok is the part of Karakoram. He said that the settlement of rights is for the benefit of the people.

Sajjad Mufti said, “On 23rd of this month we conducted a workshop in which the representatives and people of Nubra were present. It was discussed that if there are places or areas which are not really important can also be excluded from the sanctuary and the same workshops have been conducted in the Changthang region as well. Therefore, it is my request to the people and the councillors as well to consult the Wildlife department regarding any doubt about the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary”.
We have also been trying to exclude certain populated areas from the sanctuary.

The procalamation issued by SDM Nubra on August 22, 2022 reads as:

“Whereas, Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) area was declared Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary vide SRO 155 dated 19.03.1987 under Section 17 of J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 (as amended upto 2002). 

Whereas, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Ecology Department, UT Ladakh vide Order No. 03-FE&E of 2022 dated 17.05.2022 appointed SDM Nobra as Collector vide SRO-302 dated 21 Aug 2007 in accordance with the Section(17A) of  J&K Wildlife (Protection Act),1978 to determine existence, nature and extent of the rights of any persons in or over the land comprised within the limits of Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary as indicated below Boundaries (5000 Sq km approx) 

North : Ceasefire line of China from Indra Col upto Karakorum pass and further east 
West : International boundary of Pakistan from Indra Col to Turtuk along with Watershed of Saltoro Range. 
South: Contour of lofty mountain range of Ladakh whose micro water catchments facing to north drain into river Shayok from Turtuk upto Digerla and southerly mountains that drain into the Indus River. 
East: Karakorum running along the actual line of control between India and China,”

The order further reads, “Now therefore, in exercise of power conferred on me under section 20 of J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act,1978,it is hereby notified that all the interested person may submit their claims and objections in writing, if any, to the declaration of proposed area as Wildlife Sanctuary and any rights over the land comprised within the limit of Karakoram(Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary within 60 days from the date of issue of the notice/proclamation. No claims/objections received after the expiry of prescribed time will be considered."