Sonam Wangchuk is a renowned climate activist and the recipient of the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay award. Recently, he announced a 21-day climate fast during a public gathering in Leh, Ladakh, aimed at raising awareness and urging global action against climate change.
Ladakh is situated at an elevation of 11,500 feet, nestled between Pakistan and China, and is predominantly home to indigenous tribes who depend on pastoral and agricultural livelihoods. The region faces severe environmental threats from climate change, including floods, droughts, and landslides. These threats impact its glaciers—often referred to as the Third Pole—which are vital water sources for major rivers such as the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra.
The NMSHE was launched as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to scientifically assess the Himalayan region's vulnerability to climate change and monitor the health of its ecosystem. The mission focuses on building capacities to mitigate and adapt to environmental changes affecting this crucial area.
There are rising concerns about the rapid infrastructure development in Ladakh, especially after it transitioned into a Union Territory. Major projects, including road expansions, tunnels, and large-scale solar energy developments, threaten the delicate Himalayan ecosystem. Critics argue that these initiatives often proceed without adequate consideration of their environmental impact or heed to past disaster warnings.
The Himalayan region has been plagued by several disasters, such as the 2013 Kedarnath cloudburst that led to catastrophic floods and thousands of fatalities. Other notable incidents include the submersion of Joshimath in 2023 and the collapse of the Silkyara tunnel. These disasters underscore the significant loss of life and the vulnerabilities that arise from ignoring ecological and geological risks in infrastructure planning.
Despite numerous expert warnings and past disasters, the response to environmental concerns in the Himalayas has been insufficient. Recommendations from expert committees and court-ordered reviews often go unaddressed, resulting in ongoing projects that lack comprehensive risk assessments and safety protocols. This negligence has led to repeated environmental and human tragedies in the region.
Wangchuk's climate fast holds significant importance as it not only brings attention to the specific challenges facing Ladakh but also highlights the broader issues of climate change impacting humanity worldwide. His activism seeks to inspire accountability and action for the preservation of the Himalayan environment, which, in turn, is crucial for protecting the global ecosystem.
This FAQ aims to elucidate the environmental challenges confronted by Ladakh, the repercussions of rapid development, and the ongoing efforts by activists like Sonam Wangchuk to promote sustainable practices and policies.
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