To expedite construction of infrastructure for troops, ammunition storage and communication networks in eastern Ladakh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Centre's wildlife panel has cleared several proposals in the region as per official records.

The proposals for these strategic infrastructures were discussed during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on December 21.

One of the major infrastructures is set to be developed in the Changthang High Altitude Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and the Karakorum Nubra Shyok Wildlife Sanctuary. It aims to speed up ammunition access and ensure quicker operational deployment, according to the Union Ministry of Defence.

Both sanctuaries are home to rare wildlife such as the Tibetan antelope, Tibetan wild ass, snow leopard, Tibetan wolf and numerous bird species.

The Karakorum Nubra Shyok Wildlife Sanctuary also supports species like the Tibetan gazelle, Siberian ibex, bharal (blue sheep) and Bactrian camel.

The areas earmarked for defence infrastructure are treeless but fall within Protected Areas, making them subject to Section 29 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The Defence Ministry has been instructed to ensure no harm is done to the landscape and to comply with regulations to minimise the project's impact on local habitats.

So far, the Standing Committee has approved 107 proposals, covering 2,967.63 hectares in the Changthang High Altitude Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, and 64 proposals, covering 24,625.52 hectares in the Karakorum Nubra Shyok Wildlife Sanctuary.