SAVE LADAKH

GS PAPER 2 & 3

THE HINDU EDITORIAL

Sonam Wangchuk's Climate Fast and Appeal:

Sonam Wangchuk, 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award winner and climate activist, announced his 21-day climate fast in Leh, Ladakh on March 6, 2024.
His appeal is for not just the people of Ladakh but for the world to address climate change.

Ladakh and the Himalayas:

Ladakh, located between Pakistan and China, is home to 97% indigenous tribes, with people living simple pastoral lives.
The region faces border disputes and significant climate change effects such as floods, droughts, landslides, and pollution.
The Himalayan region is home to approximately 15,000 glaciers, which are crucial for the water supply to major rivers.

Climate Change Threat:

The Himalayan glaciers are at risk of melting due to global warming, impacting residents and those living downstream.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):

The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) is under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The mission aims to assess the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to climate change and maintain the ecosystem's health.

Infrastructure Boom in Ladakh:

Several mega infrastructure projects have been launched rapidly in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory, including bridges, tunnels, solar projects, and highways.
These projects are carried out by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL).

Disasters in the Himalayan Region:

There have been several disasters in the region since 2010, including flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides.
The tragedies in Uttarakhand, such as the 2013 Kedarnath floods and 2023 Joshimath disaster, highlight the need for careful planning and risk assessment.

Lack of Due Diligence:

Activists are frustrated by the lack of adherence to expert recommendations and due diligence in multi-crore mega projects in the mountains.
There is often insufficient risk assessment, geological and seismic analysis, and safety measures in projects.

Urgent Need for Change:

There is an urgent need to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and the people living there.
Wangchuk's battle is about safeguarding not only Ladakh but also the entire Himalayan region and humanity's future generations.