Limit resource exploitation, says climatologist

Renowned climatologist Sonam Wangchuk today said that the larger purpose of this ‘padyatra’ from Leh to Delhi was to appeal and spread awareness among the masses to not harm nature.

While speaking to mediapersons as his convoy reached Kullu, he said that the Himalayas were having rapid impact of climate change and it was necessary that the public limits exploiting resources to conserve and protect the environment. He said that the people of cities consume more resources, which increased the burden on the Himalayan region.

The environmentalist said, “At national level we want to raise the issue of keeping the value of promises made during the elections by fulfilling them and making the government recall its commitment.” He said at the local level their demand was for inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule and to save the Himalayas and its environment from destructive development.

He said, “The talks between the leaders of Ladakh and the Central Government on the issue should be resumed and the government should stand firm on its commitment.”

Wangchuk said there were no MLAs and the Legislative Assembly in Ladakh after it became a Union Territory and the bureaucracy was deciding development works. He added, “Officers are generally transferred in a period of two to three years and most of them will not understand the topography of the region in such a short span. Due to this, the Himalayas will suffer and the future generations will have to bear the consequences. It is necessary to restore democracy in Ladakh.”

Earlier, Wangchuk was given a warm welcome in Kullu by various associations and locals. Various environment organisations supported Wangchuk and his movement. Chief Parliamentary Thakur Sunder Singh Thakur also met Wangchuk.