The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has categorically dismissed allegations made by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk concerning the region’s excise policy. The administration described his remarks as “false”, “baseless”, and “totally imaginary”. In a press release, officials urged Wangchuk to verify facts with official sources before making public statements.

This response follows Wangchuk’s comments during a press conference held at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi on October 22. He alleged that Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena was acting arbitrarily and claimed that alcohol was being promoted in Ladakh despite local opposition. Wangchuk further asserted that bars were being established in residential areas and near educational institutions.

The administration refuted these claims, clarifying that only one liquor shop is currently operational in the entire Union Territory. They stated that only two liquor shops had been permitted in Leh, specifically in Ward No. 4 and Ward No. 6. The shop in Ward No. 6 began operations following an auction on October 14, 2026, while no bids were received for the shop proposed in Ward No. 4, resulting in its non-operation.

Response to Allegations of Forcible Promotion of Alcohol

Wangchuk’s assertion that alcohol is being forcibly promoted in Ladakh was also addressed by the administration. They stated, “Mr Wangchuk’s claim that ‘Ladakh mein sharab ko zabardasti badhaya ja raha hai’ (Alcohol is being forcibly promoted in Ladakh) is totally false and misleading.” This statement was made in light of the administration’s commitment to transparency and factual accuracy.

Wangchuk had previously claimed that a decision was made approximately two months ago to open liquor shops across Ladakh, despite numerous written protests from residents. In response, the administration clarified that the new Excise Policy for 2026-27 was notified on June 1, 2026. However, following feedback from residents and social organisations, the Lieutenant Governor withdrew the policy on August 26, 2026. Consequently, the proposal to open wine shops under this policy was cancelled.

The administration reinstated the previous Excise Policy for 2025-26, which had been notified on April 4, 2025, and remains in effect. This action reflects the administration’s responsiveness to community concerns.

Details on Liquor Establishments and Licensing

The administration also provided information regarding the operational liquor-serving establishments in Ladakh. Currently, there are 50 retail liquor vends within bars that serve food across the Union Territory. Of these, 38 are located in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar, and two in Changthang. Additionally, two beer bars are operational in Leh, along with nine hotels in the same area that hold liquor licences.

Four of these hotels received their licences this year, and one hotel in Nubra also acquired a licence during the same period. The administration emphasised that licences are granted only to applicants who fulfil specific criteria, including compliance with distance regulations related to highways, religious institutions, and educational establishments.

The administration firmly rejected Wangchuk’s claim that bars were being opened indiscriminately in neighbourhoods and near schools, stating that his assertions lack any factual basis. They reiterated that official records contradict his allegations, which they described as a deliberate campaign of misinformation aimed at creating unnecessary public alarm.

In conclusion, the administration urged Wangchuk to verify information with official sources before disseminating claims to the media and the public. They stated, “Verify the facts from official sources before feeding completely false and imaginary claims to the national media and the people at large.”

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