Ladakh clasps sustainable sports for environmental conservation
LEH: Sports have always been an integral part of Ladakh’s culture. The region, with its breath-taking landscapes and challenging terrain, offers ample opportunities for adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, and river rafting, besides newly setup eco-friendly football stadium and sports activities being held taking into consideration the fragile climate of the region.
However, in recent years, sports in Ladakh have taken on a new dimension with a focus on sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Among other significant initiatives in this regard taken by Union Territory administration and concerned sports associations, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council’s (LAHDC) have also made prominent progress in promoting eco-friendly sports initiatives like the decision to make the region plastic-free. As part of this initiative, the LAHDC has banned the use of disposable plastic items such as bags, bottles, and straws.
The council has also launched a massive awareness campaign to educate tourists and locals about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. This initiative has not only helped in conservation efforts but has also created a positive image of the region among tourists.
Another sports initiative aimed at protecting the environment in Ladakh is the annual Ladakh Marathon. The marathon, launched in 2012, has become one of the most popular events in the region, attracting participants from all over the world.
The marathon has a unique focus on environmental conservation, with participants running through some of the most beautiful but ecologically sensitive areas of Ladakh. The organizers of the marathon have also launched several campaigns aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues such as waste management and water conservation.
Ladakh have been promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. For instance, several adventure sports companies operating in the region have adopted eco-friendly practices such as using renewable energy sources and minimizing waste generation. Additionally, several trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the region have started incorporating environmental education and conservation into their itineraries.
Also, 1 Ladakh Football Club has set a commendable goal to become the cleanest and greenest football team in India. With a vision to raise awareness about nature and climate change through football, their aim is to encourage the people of Ladakh and the entire nation to embrace sustainable practices in their lives.
However, there is still a long way to go in terms of promoting sustainable sports in Ladakh. As per the reports, among other challenges one significant challenge is the lack of infrastructure and resources for sports development in the region. Despite its potential, Ladakh has very few sports facilities, and most of them are in a state of disrepair.
And also, the newly developed and on-going sports infrastructure seems not to be as eco-friendly as it should be.
“Sports Infra should be 100 percent solarized, and constructed of mud, clay instead of modern infra construction material which need to be maintained at the cost of the environment,” Anayat Ali, General Secretary Ladakh Taekwondo Association said.
He said that they are promoting sustainable sports by investing in eco-friendly events and initiatives. Besides they help in creating awareness and mobilizing support for sustainable sports initiatives taking into consideration the eco-sensitive region, he said.
There is a need for a concerted effort by the government, private sector, and civil society in terms of promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. With the right investments and initiatives, Ladakh has the potential to become a model for sustainable sports development.
