Proposal to Redraw Changthang and Karakoram Sanctuaries in Ladakh for Central Clearance

A comprehensive proposal to redefine the boundaries of the Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries in Ladakh has been submitted for final approval by the Central government. The move aims to reconcile ecological protection with strategic, developmental, and local livelihood priorities in one of India’s most sensitive border regions.

Revised Boundaries and Expanded Coverage

The Ladakh State Wildlife Board, in its meeting on September 19, proposed revising the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary to 16,550 sq km and the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary to 9,695 sq km. These figures represent a significant increase from the 1987 notifications, which recorded the sanctuaries at about 5,000 sq km and 4,000 sq km respectively. However, the rationalisation also includes the exclusion of 1,742 sq km from the Karakoram (Nubra–Shyok) area and 164 sq km from the Changthang region to better align with actual human habitation patterns.

Need for Rationalisation and Accurate Mapping

Officials noted that the original 1987 notifications lacked clear demarcation and boundary accuracy, with actual protected areas estimated to be nearly three to four times larger than notified. To address this, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) undertook a detailed study and consultation with local stakeholders, identifying High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs) requiring the highest level of protection. Ten HCVAs were marked within Karakoram and seventeen within Changthang, along with identified wildlife corridors to ensure ecological connectivity.

Balancing Conservation with Local Livelihoods

The redefined sanctuaries seek to balance conservation with the needs of residents living within these high-altitude regions. Around 67 villages in the Karakoram and 45 in the Changthang sanctuary are proposed to be excluded, allowing limited development and tourism-related activities. Local authorities emphasised that the intention is not to enable large-scale commercial ventures but to support sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and small-scale infrastructure like homestays and guest houses.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Karakoram and Changthang sanctuaries were originally notified in 1987.
• Revised areas: Karakoram – 16,550 sq km; Changthang – 9,695 sq km.
• Study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) identified 27 High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs) in total.
• 67 villages in Karakoram and 45 in Changthang proposed for exclusion to enable livelihood activities.

Strategic and Socioeconomic Significance

The sanctuaries lie in zones of immense ecological and geopolitical value near India’s international borders. Officials, including Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson, stressed that sustaining habitation in these remote areas is essential for national security and border vigilance. The proposal thus seeks to integrate conservation goals with defence imperatives and the socio-economic stability of local communities, marking a pivotal step in Ladakh’s environmental and strategic planning framework.