Strategic Clearance: Wildlife Panel Approves 12 Defence Projects in Ladakh

National Security Meets Himalayan Conservation

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) has granted clearance for 13 key infrastructure projects crucial for national security, with the majority—12 projects—located in the high-altitude, ecologically fragile protected zones of Ladakh. These proposals, submitted by the Ministry of Defence, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), aim to boost India’s operational readiness in the region, particularly near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Major Projects Approved in Protected Sanctuaries

The approved projects are primarily located deep inside Ladakh’s two major protected areas: the Changthang Cold Desert and Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) wildlife sanctuaries. These areas are home to rare and endangered species like the Tibetan wolf, wild yak, and the snow leopard. Key military facilities cleared include:

Brigade Headquarters: A 40-hectare facility at Chushul for the 142 Infantry Brigade.
Ammunition Storage: Two large Formation Ammunition Storage Facilities (FASF) covering 24.2 hectares in Changthang and 47.1 hectares in Karakoram Sanctuary.
Training Node: A 48.6-hectare high-altitude training area at Tara (around 15,500 feet) for realistic tactical training.

Focus on Strengthening LAC Deployment

The clearance of these projects reflects a strategic push to enhance the military’s presence and capability in Eastern Ladakh following border tensions with China. Specifically, the establishment of the Brigade Headquarters and a 3.7-hectare Field Workshop Company at Chushul is intended to support the 142 Infantry Brigade deployed near the LAC, ensuring better command and control and operational readiness in the high-altitude sector.

New Border Outposts for ITBP

In addition to the Army’s facilities, the committee also approved projects for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). These include three new Border Outposts (BOPs) at Quazi Langer, Bopsang Lungpa, and KM-156, each covering around 1.62 hectares. These new outposts, along with a transit detachment, are vital for maintaining vigilance and surveillance along the border in the inhospitable terrain.

Strict Environmental Safeguards Mandated

The NBWL granted its approval with a crucial condition: the implementation of stringent environmental safeguards to protect the sensitive Himalayan ecosystems. The panel emphasized that while the projects are critical for national security, their execution must ensure minimal ecological disturbance. Ecologist R. Sukumar advised the committee that infrastructure should avoid vulnerable areas like marshes, riverbanks, and narrow valleys prone to flash floods and avalanches, a suggestion which was directed to be incorporated into the mitigation plans.

Bridge Project Cleared in Arunachal Pradesh

The NBWL’s clearance was not restricted to Ladakh. It also recommended approval for one project in Arunachal Pradesh: the construction of a 158-meter-long permanent bridge on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road under Project Vartak. This project involves a small area (0.37 hectares) of the Eco-Sensitive Zone of the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, a global biodiversity hotspot and an elephant corridor.

Mitigation for Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

To minimize the impact in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, the bridge proposal was cleared with a specific mitigation plan. This plan includes important conservation measures such as: