The decision came after a flurry of letters from community groups—Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ladakh Gonpa Association, and Anjuman Imamia—requesting more time.—Lt Governor Saxena approved the 30‑day extension on September 4, 2026, citing the need for a thorough review.
Nautor land, defined as barren or wasteland owned by the state and historically allotted for cultivation, covers over 60,000 acres in Ladakh’s revenue records. The draft rules aim to formalise ownership for those who have occupied these lands since before October 27, 2020, when the Jammu & Kashmir Tenancy Act was repealed.
"The nautor issue touches every farmer’s livelihood here," Saxena told a press briefing. A spokesperson added, "We want every genuine concern, suggestion and apprehension to be heard and examined carefully." The extension gives stakeholders until November 1 to submit comments via email or the revenue portal.
The framework allows eligible holders to secure proprietary rights over up to 10 acres. Holdings exceeding that limit could be considered for leasehold allotment under the new rules. The one‑time mechanism is designed to prevent future disputes over land ownership.
What follows the Nov 1 deadline is a formal review by the revenue department. If the majority of feedback is positive, the rules will likely be adopted in a council meeting scheduled for early December. Meanwhile, Pema, a 45‑year‑old shepherd from Leh, says the extension gives his 8‑acre plot a chance to become legally recognized, easing his family’s future planning.