To find out a solution to the land dispute in Pangong lake, Minister for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs, Chhering Dorje and CEC Dr. Sonam Dawa conducted a one day tour on May 5. The delegates met various public delegations of Phobrang, Yurgo, Maan, Merak and Spangmik separately.

The dispute was aroused with the encroachment of the Pangong lake area by the locals for the establishment of restaurants, campings, resorts, shops and other tourism related units 

It is to mention that the Pangong Lake area has been declared as Cold Desert Sanctuary by the Govt. of India and the Hon’ble High Court has already issued an order for removal of all those illegal business establishments from the close vicinity of Pangong lake. Similarly, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has also declared the area as Cold Desert Sanctuary in 1987 by issuing strict instructions for not to disturb the lake area and the endangered wild life species living and breeding there.

To ensure a sustainable tourism in the area by following the guidelines of Hon’ble Supreme Court, the LAHDC, Leh has formulated a comprehensive proposal for allotment of lands for the locals of each village to establish their business at a new place maintaining the mandatory distance from the lake.

Minister, Chhering Dorje during his meeting with different public delegations urged them to follow the regulations set by the Hon’ble Supreme Court saying that if the Lake area and wildlife are not well protected, the people will instantly lose their business opportunity itself. 

The Minister convinced them to agree with the LAHDC’s proposal and advised them to shift their business establishments in the new area which will go a long way not only in promoting sustainable tourism but would also find a permanent solution to their problems. 

He also assured the local people to extend State Govt’s fullest support for up-gradation of roads and the opening of new tourist destinations and trekking routes in the area.

CEC, Dr. Sonam Dawa clarified that LAHDC has identified the land and formulated the distribution plan for each group in such a way that it will ensure equal commercial benefit to every people of this area. 

He said that Spangmik-Merak road is already proposed in PMGSY and till the project is sanctioned, a fund for construction of this road shall be arranged from the District plan. 

Dr. Dawa also assured to extend the bus service up to Merak and the present Police Post shall also be shifted from Spangmik to Merak. 

To boost tourism in the area, Martsemik-la will also be opened which would be the World highest road and become a major tourist attraction. 

Dr. Dawa further informed that the Union Home Ministry has agreed to open the Chushul-Tsaga-la-Larikarpo Demjok-Hanley road for tourist which will give a new avenue for the further promotion of tourism in the area in near future.