Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Conservation March Reaches Mandi, Advocates for Democracy in Ladakh.
Shimla:
On Saturday, renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk’s march for Himalayan conservation and the restoration of democracy in the Union Territory of Ladakh made its way to Mandi, after passing through Kullu and Pandoh. The march, which began on September 1 in Ladakh, is set to conclude in Delhi on October 2.
In Mandi, the expedition was warmly welcomed at the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery in Bindrabani, where various organizations, including the Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Land Acquisition Front, Congress Seva Dal, women’s groups, and students and faculty from Degree College Mandi, gathered to support Wangchuk.
Wangchuk emphasized that the primary goals of his journey are twofold: preserving the fragile Himalayan environment and advocating for the reinstatement of democratic governance in Ladakh. He highlighted the adverse impacts of the abrogation of Article 370, which has led to a lack of local participation in development initiatives within the newly designated Union Territory.
“Development cannot be measured merely by the construction of roads. Local communities must have a voice in their development,” he stated. Wangchuk pointed out that while Himalayan roads are vital, expanding them beyond necessary dimensions leads to environmental degradation. He argued for a more sustainable approach to development that respects the delicate balance of the region’s ecosystem.
Wangchuk also discussed the pressing issue of climate change, warning that if global carbon emissions are not controlled, the world may face catastrophic consequences within the next five years. He referenced the “Climate Clock,” a scientific tool that tracks the urgency of addressing rising temperatures, noting that exceeding a 1.5-degree Celsius increase would result in irreversible damage.
“We have a limited window—just five years—to mitigate our environmental impact and avert catastrophe,” he stressed, urging collective action against climate change.
The gathering also featured prominent figures such as Guman Singh from the Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, Joginder Walia of the Land Acquisition Front, and several environmental activists who echoed Wangchuk’s calls for awareness and action.
Wangchuk concluded by emphasizing the need for simplicity in life and the protection of the Himalayas, asserting that the desire for urban luxury should not come at the cost of ecological destruction. He urged the people of the region to become more engaged, as their awareness would compel politicians to be more accountable and environmentally conscious.
