Now Reading: Ladakh Approves India’s First High-Altitude Wildlife Safari
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Ladakh Approves India’s First High-Altitude Wildlife Safari
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved guided jeep safaris on snow leopard and birdwatching trails, in what officials describe as India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari. The plan covers possible routes…
The Story in Brief
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved guided jeep safaris on snow leopard and birdwatching trails, in what officials describe as India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari. The plan covers possible routes in Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries, along with Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass. Specially designed open-back vehicles will be operated by trained local drivers and guides. The initiative aims to curb illegal off-roading and reduce disturbance to wildlife.
Officials said Ladakh has 477 of India’s estimated 718 snow leopards, along with more than 38 mammal species, 340 bird species and 1,800 vascular plant species. Twenty local youths will receive birdwatching training, while 10 birdwatching hides are planned. The SHAN Conservation Society also approved waste bins, plastic-free tourism measures and wildlife clubs in 50 government schools.
The Indian Opinion
The easy narrative is that a safari will automatically protect snow leopards, while the opposing claim is that any tourism in fragile terrain is harmful. Neither is complete. Regulated vehicles and local guides could replace illegal off-roading, but visitor numbers, route discipline and enforcement will decide the result. The first test should be whether winter operations record fewer off-road incidents without disturbing snow leopard sightings. Will Ladakh publish those figures?
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
