Dr. Afroz Ahmad, Expert Member of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, chaired a review meeting on October 19 to assess compliance with NGT judgments and orders regarding the formulation and implementation of the District Environment Plan for Leh. The meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Leh.

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

A comprehensive review was conducted of environmental protection measures in Ladakh, with particular emphasis on pollution control, conservation of natural resources and sustainable waste management. The presentation highlighted Ladakh’s strong tradition of environmental stewardship while noting the growing environmental pressures caused by 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 river water testing were conducted 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 as a way to minimise untreated sewage discharge into rivers.

The conservation of lakes and wetlands, including Ramsar sites such as Tso Kar and Tso Moriri, was discussed in detail. Dr. 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 coordinated action by district authorities, local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions to protect 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. Dr. Ahmad suggested exploring community radio to strengthen environmental awareness and promote responsible waste disposal, particularly in remote areas.

The administration presented an overview of urban and rural waste management infrastructure, including approximately 30 Solid Resource Management Centres across rural areas. Initiatives such as door-to-door waste collection, plastic recycling and the use of processed multilayered packaging in road construction were discussed. The need to strengthen electronic waste collection and disposal was also highlighted.

The meeting noted Leh’s reported waste-processing capacity of approximately 30 tonnes per day and the registration of around 100 bulk wet-waste generators, who are required to compost wet waste and hand over segregated dry waste. Seasonal pressures on waste management, faecal sludge treatment and the potential reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation were also discussed.

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

Dr. Ahmad appreciated the environmental initiatives undertaken in Ladakh and emphasised the need for strict compliance with NGT directions, science-based interventions and effective interdepartmental coordination. He underscored the importance of safeguarding rivers, lakes and wetlands, strengthening waste management systems, preventing encroachment and ensuring that environmental measures translate into effective action on the ground.

He also highlighted the importance of community participation in protecting 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.