Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakhi social reformist whose life story inspired the Bollywood film ‘3 Idiots,’ has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety and protection of Ladakh, as studies suggest the extinction of nearly two-thirds of the Union Territory’s glaciers.
Sonam Wangchuk told ANI on Sunday that if the carelessness continues and Ladakh is not protected from industries, the glaciers here will become extinct, causing enormous problems due to water scarcity in India and its neighbours.
“If measures are not taken, the industries, tourism, and commerce will continue to flourish in Ladakh and will eventually finish it. According to recent research from Kashmir University and other research organisations, glaciers in Leh-Ladakh will melt.
Recent studies from Kashmir University and other research organisations have concluded that if glaciers in Leh-Ladakh are not properly cared for, they will be reduced by nearly two-thirds. According to a study conducted by Kashmir University, glaciers surrounded by highways and human activities are melting at a comparatively faster rate,” Wangchuk said.
“Global warming due to America and Europe alone is not responsible for this climate change, but the local pollution and emissions are equally responsible for this. “There should be minimal human activity in areas like Ladakh so that the glaciers can remain intact for the locals here and across the country,” he continued.
The engineer-turned-education reformer also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect Ladakh and other Himalayan regions from “industrial exploitation,” emphasising the importance of adopting sustainable development. It will help to protect people’s lives and jobs, he added.
“It is my appeal to Prime Minister Modi to protect Ladakh and other Himalayan regions from industrial exploitation, which will impact and safeguard people’s lives and jobs. However, I believe that, in addition to the government, the people should be concerned about climate change and work to mitigate it “He emphasised the importance of adapting to a sustainable way of life in order to meet the development goals.
He emphasised the importance of adapting to a sustainable way of life in which resources are used to meet development goals while also being preserved for future generations so that nature can continue to provide resources and services to humans.
He also urged the children to avoid wasting food and clothing because it negatively impacts the environment.
Wangchuk ‘urgently’ appealed to the people of the country and the world to help protect the “environmentally sensitive” region of Ladakh in a 13-minute video shared on his YouTube channel. He has also urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene and protect the ecosystem under the Indian Constitution’s sixth schedule.
