75 tonnes of waste removed from waterways in Ladakh

Amid strong concerns over ecological strain caused in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem in Ladakh, 75 tons of waste from local waterways was collected in just one day under the cleanliness drive of Indus river that flows in the Union Territory.

It is important to mention here that unregulated waste disposal along with the seasonal surge in tourists has been contributing to pollution in Ladakh.

Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Tashi Gyalson, said in a remarkable display of community spirit and environmental commitment, Leh town recently united for the ‘Mission Indus Clean-Up: Zero Tolerance Against Pollution’ campaign. The large-scale drive focused on the Leh stream, a vital waterway flowing for approximately 13.94 km—from its origin in Gangles to Abi Spang—before joining the mighty Indus river.”

The initiative also targeted adjoining water bodies, nullahs, and feeder streams, and was launched at the scenic Sindhu Ghat by Gyalson and Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal. The campaign coincided with the Har Ghar Tiranga movement, blending environmental conservation with patriotic pride in the run-up to Independence Day.

To ensure systematic cleaning, the Leh stream was divided into 12 dedicated zones, each assigned to specific volunteer groups and stakeholders. The effort drew participation from around 2,000 people, including government officials, civil society leaders, NGOs, business associations, transport unions, security forces and residents.

Besides civil society, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Army also joined the campaign that took place on August 12.

In only one day, a massive 75 tons of waste was collected from Leh’s waterways. The waste, comprising plastic debris, discarded cloth, metal scraps, and other pollutants, was segregated for proper disposal in line with solid waste management rules.

Tashi Gyalson praised the collaborative efforts of Leh’s residents and institutions, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard Ladakh’s fragile mountain ecosystem. Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making the cleanliness drive a guiding principle in environmental initiatives.

“The Mission Indus Clean-Up not only rejuvenated stretches of the Leh stream but also sent a powerful message on the importance of sustained community action. With the Indus river as Ladakh’s lifeline, there is a need for protecting precious water resources for generations to come,” said Gyalson.