Formation of WTOA was to safeguard interests: Lobzang

WTOA office bearers at a press conference at Leh on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Stanzin Dorjay
WTOA office bearers at a press conference at Leh on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Stanzin Dorjay

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, June 14: Lobzang Visuddha, the Chairman and other Board members of Wildlife Tour Operators Association (WTOA) today highlighted the purpose of formation of Wildlife Tour Operators Association, Leh. Talking to reporters here Visuddha said the importance of formation of this Association was to safeguard local wildlife tour operators’ interests as well to follow ethical way to spot and observe wildlife in fragile environments of Ladakh.
The Board members also put more stress on ‘vocal for local’ way of operations and requested tour operators from outside Ladakh area to support and encourage this concepts and follow the local norms.
Hanle Dark Sky programmes which was introduced by UT ‘Government and LAHDC, Leh was also highlighted and LG Ladakh, Chairman, LAHDC, Leh and Secretary Tourism were urged to put forth our main demand of allowing foreign tourists for overnight stay at Hanle. At the moment, foreign tourists who come for wildlife tours to Hanle and for night sky photography at Dark Sky Sanctuary, Hanle are not allowed to take overnight stay at Hanle, which makes very difficult for Wildlife and star gazing tour operations, he added.
The Chairman also put stress to keep the Wildlife area more clean, hygienic and free from plastic pollution and keep these are clean for wildlife.