Remember 3 Idiots movie’s “Rancho” or “Phunsukh Wangdu”? The inspiration behind that character, Sonam Wangchuk, a highly respected figure in Ladakh has been on a 21-day climate fast since the 6th of March with hundreds of people joining him every day. But Why? What are the concerns of Ladakhis and why as Indians, we must pay attention to Wangchuk’s protest?
BEGINNING OF DAY 15 OF #CLIMATEFAST
I’m still fine surviving on just water & salts.
Along with me 125 people slept hungry outdoors under clear skies. Temperature: – 11 °C
Let’s understand that saving Ladakh’s glaciers is not just a concern for people of Ladakh alone. Find out… pic.twitter.com/tXPqS6ro4w— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) March 20, 2024
Sonam Wangchuk’s Climate Fast: What are Ladakh’s concerns?
Shifting Political Status
- In 2019, Ladakh’s political status changed from a state to a Union Territory after the abolition of Article 370 from the earlier state of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Many Ladakhis feel this move has reduced their decision-making power as they have to look towards the central government for pretty much everything now.
- They are demanding either full statehood or special protections under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which safeguards tribal rights over land, resources, and culture.
- Locals want Leh and Kargil to have separate Lok Sabha seats in the parliament and a Ladakh Public Service Commission for the jobs.
Environmental Threats and Climate Change
- Ladakh, known for its mountains and glaciers, is facing the harsh realities of climate change.
- Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate, which is disturbing water flow and impacting agriculture.
- Abnormal weather patterns, including unpredictable rainfall and snowfall, threaten the region’s delicate ecological balance.
- Wangchuk’s fast highlights the urgent need for action to protect Ladakh’s environment, a concern shared by many scientists and environmentalists.
- His earlier initiatives, like the Ice Stupa project that uses artificial glaciers to store winter water for summer use, show his commitment to finding solutions for a changing climate.
Loss of Land and Livelihoods
- Ladakh is home to various communities of nomads- Changpa, Kharnak, etc. famous for their pashmina goats- yes, the same wool from which our pashmina shawls are made, and they depend on traditional grazing lands for their livestock.
- Large-scale development projects are raising concerns about competition for resources, potentially displacing these communities.
- Demographic changes due to increased migration are another worry, as minority Buddhist Ladakhis fear losing their cultural identity.
- To raise awareness, Ladakhi shepherds and farmers are planning a massive “Pashmina March” to show the areas where (as per them) – they can’t graze their animals anymore due to land taken by the Chinese army or big corporations in recent years.
The Indian government has yet to announce a concrete response to the demands raised by Ladakhis although Union Minister Mr. Amit Shah has said that the centre is dedicated to providing constitutional protections to Ladakh.
New Update
The “Pashmina March” has been called off by Sonam Wangchuk on April 7, as Sector 144 has been imposed in Leh leading to restrictions on movement. Sonam Wangchuk’s Climate fast ended on March 26, although peaceful fasts and protests by people are still ongoing as of today.
Conclusion
The situation in Ladakh is complex, with concerns about the environment, cultural preservation, and economic security, all at the same time. It is important to find a middle ground soon, which respects Ladakhi aspirations represented today by Sonam Wangchuk while ensuring environmental sustainability. The development of the biggest democracy in the world must remain inclusive at all costs.
Update- Mohmad Haneefa is an Indian politician from the Kargil district of Ladakh. In the 2024 general election, he ran as an independent candidate for the Ladakh constituency and was elected to the 18th Lok Sabha. He won the seat by defeating his rivals from the INC and BJP, Tsering Namgyal and Tashi Gyalson, respectively.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced a setback in Ladakh due to a confluence of factors. A significant sentiment among the local populace leaned towards preferring local governance structures, which likely contributed to the BJP’s loss. Additionally, environmental issues became a pressing concern for Ladakhis, who felt these were not adequately addressed. The party’s inability to fulfill job creation promises also played a crucial role. Furthermore, the unrest regarding Ladakh’s statehood status and demands for greater autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution added to the BJP’s challenges in the region.
FAQs
1. Why is Sonam Wangchuk famous?
– Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer, educator, and scientist famous for his creative educational methods and his efforts toward protecting the environment in Ladakh. He has built a school for students who are considered failures, and alternative methods are used by this school to teach those students.
2. What is the scientific innovation of Sonam Wangchuk?
– His biggest invention is the Ice Stupa- an artificial glacier that stores ice in winter and provides water to the farmers and locals in the summer when it melts.
3. What is climate fast in Ladakh?
– Climate fast in Ladakh is a 21-day fast by Sonam Wangchuk to highlight the environmental concerns of the Ladakh region due to Climate Change.
