Stop fiddling with fragile Himalayas, warns Wangchuk

Environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has called for urgent steps to protect the ecology and culture of the Himalayas.

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Wangchuk, who reached Mandi on Saturday on the 21st day of his padyatra, highlighted the detrimental effects of unplanned development in the Himalayan region, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where natural calamities have devastated agricultural land and resulted in a significant loss of life.

Addressing a press conference, he said, “In the name of development, indiscriminate destruction is being done in the Himalaya region. We must protect the environment and the rich culture that the tribal communities have safeguarded for generations.” He said the tribals had played a crucial role in preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas.

Wangchuk reiterated the demand for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would “empower its residents to manage their resources and protect their culture”. “We are here to remind the Centre of its promises to revive democracy in Ladakh and ensure local governance,” he said. Despite his optimism regarding the government’s response, he acknowledged the urgent need for action.

Wangchuk criticised the exploitation of Himalayan resources to meet the needs of the urban areas, warning that large-scale projects, including power and solar initiatives, posed a significant threat to the region’s ecology. “The adverse impact of power projects and four-lane highways is already visible,” he remarked.

The environmentalist also addressed the challenges facing Ladakh since the abrogation of Article 370, noting that there had been little development due to lack of government recruitment and manpower. “Youth are unemployed and the administration, primarily led by a Lt Governor with limited understanding of local issues, hampered the progress,” he stated. He lamented that much of the financial support announced by the Centre remained unutilised.

Wangchuk urged the Union Government to take decisive action to protect the Himalayas, warning that there was only a limited window — approximately five years — to implement necessary measures before the situation became irreversible. He called for elections in Ladakh to enable locals to elect their representatives and take charge of their future.

Earlier on his arrival at Himachal Darshan gallery in Mandi, Wangchuk received a warm welcome from supporters and locals.