Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson convened a high-level meeting on April 12 to review the status of forest revenue records in the Leh district. The meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the Council Secretariat in response to directives issued by the Supreme Court in the writ petition titled Ashok Kumar Sharma (IFS) & Ors. vs. Union of India.

The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor Ghulam Mehdi; Chief Conservator of Forests, Ladakh, Sajjad Hussain Mufti; DC/CEO LAHDC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve (IAS); ACR Leh, Shabir Hussain; DFO Leh, Feroz Ahmad (SFS); SDMs and their representatives; and Tehsildar Leh.

In his address, CEC Tashi Gyalson emphasized the need for accuracy and transparency in forest land documentation, current land usage, and future developmental planning. He stressed the importance of coordination between forest and revenue departments to ensure compliance with legal frameworks and environmental sustainability.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Sajjad Hussain Mufti, presented an overview of the current forest record status in Leh district, highlighting lands notified under forest cover, plantation zones, and areas requiring validation. He underscored the necessity of verifying forest land classifications through competent authorities to ensure transparency and legal conformity.

Key discussions also included updates on the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, and its implications for forest governance in Ladakh. Particular focus was placed on the complexities surrounding unclassed forests in the Khaltse Forest Range, identified as an area requiring further study and inter-departmental collaboration.

ACR Shabir Hussain shared a comprehensive update on the reconciliation of revenue gardens and reserved forest lands as of August 2024. He highlighted the Revenue Department’s vital role in resolving public grievances concerning land categorization and the demarcation of forest boundaries.

Concluding the meeting, CEC Gyalson directed officials to move forward with the next phase of verification. He also instructed that a dedicated follow-up meeting be scheduled to address unresolved issues, particularly concerning unclassed forests, ensuring a detailed and structured approach to forest record management in the region.