Leh: A large number of people including women, men, children, youth, students, and prominent people of Ladakh gathered at HIAL Leh in support of Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on Climate Fast for last five days.
A day earlier, Sonam Wangchuk urged people in Leh and the world to participate in maximum numbers and show solidarity with this movement. Social and religious groups, students’ associations have extended support to Sonam Wangchuk in this camping of save Ladakh.
Scores of people could be seen gathered around Sonam Wangchuk ‘Anshan’ site where he has been since January 26, 2023 for five days Climate Fast.
Sonam Wangchuk, the Social reformist from Ladakh recently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring the safety and protection of Ladakh as studies suggested the extinction of nearly 2/3rd of the glaciers in the Union Territory.
Wangchuk had stated that he will sit on a 5 day ‘Climate Fast’ from 26 January at Khardungla Pass at 18000ft at -40 degree Celsius, even as he asked the people wanting to join him to do the similar act at different parts of the Union Territory.
Meanwhile, All Ladakh Students Association-Jammu (ALSA-J) extended support to Wangchuk and stated he has been working towards the better future of Ladakh earlier and in future also. ”We the Family of ALSAJ congratulate and convey our thanks on behalf of the whole students Jammu for standing better future & 6th schedule.”
ALSAJ also held Anshan at Channi Gonpa in support of social reformist Sonam Wangchuk.
“The students community of Jammu appreciate Sonam Wangchuk for continuing his environmental and educational reforms and his contribution towards the Himalayan region especially in Ladakh and it’s community and support the concerns of safeguard of Ladakh and we the students of Jammu believe and hope that the Government of India will look into this matter and further take action at the soonest For the betterment and inclusive development of the region,” ALSAJ said in a statement.
Peritent to mention here that, Sonam Wangchuk stressed that if the carelessness continued and the Ladakh is refrained from being provided protection from the industries, the glaciers here will extinct, thus creating enormous problems due to water scarcity in India and its neighbourhood.
“If measures are not taken, the industries, tourism, and commerce will continue to flourish in Ladakh and will eventually finish it. Recent studies from Kashmir University and other research organizations have concluded that glaciers in Leh-Ladakh will finish nearly to its 2/3rd if they are not properly taken care of. A study by Kashmir Univesity has found that the glaciers surrounded by highways and human activities are melting at a comparatively faster rate,” Wangchuk said.
“Global warming due to America and Europe alone is not responsible for this climate change, but the local pollution and emissions are equally responsible for this. In areas like Ladakh, there should be minimal human activities so that the glaciers can remain intact for the locals here and the country across,” he continued.
Sonam Wangchuk is a widely-respected social reformist from Ladakh. His work, from his innovative school, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), whose campus runs on solar energy and uses no fossil fuels for cooking, lighting, or heating, to his Operation New Hope to brings reforms to the government school system, has earned him a reputation as one of the most dedicated environmentalists in the country.
