• UGI USER
  • Apr 12, 2024
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A BATTLE TO SAVE LADAKH, AND ALL OF HUMANITY

Relevance: GS 3 –  Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.  Disaster and disaster management.

Why in the News?

  • Sonam Wangchuk, Ramon Magsaysay award winner (2018) and climate activist, initiated a 21-day climate fast.
  • Addressed a 30,000-strong crowd in Leh, Ladakh on March 6, 2024.
  • Highlighted the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem.
  • Aimed to raise awareness about climate change issues affecting not only Ladakh but also the world.

Ladakh’s Unique Geographic Context

  • Located between India’s neighbours, Pakistan and China, at an altitude of 11,500 feet.
  • 97% of the population comprises indigenous tribes.
  • Majority lead pastoral lives, relying on farming and animal rearing for livelihood.

Climate Change Challenges in the Himalayan Region

  • Faces damaging effects of climate change: floods, droughts, landslides, greenhouse gases, and pollutants.
  • The Himalayan region is home to about 15,000 glaciers, often termed the Third Pole.
  • Glaciers play a crucial role in the hydrological process, releasing meltwater to major rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
  • Threats to Himalayan Glaciers:
    • Himalayan glaciers are at risk of melting due to global warming and climate change.
    • Melting glaciers will impact both mountain region residents and downstream populations.

Infrastructure Boom and NMSHE’s Role

  • The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) was Launched in 2008 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) by the Centre.
    • Managed by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
  • Aim: To scientifically assess the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to climate change and monitor the health status of the Himalayan ecosystem.
  • After Ladakh became a Union Territory, there was a rapid launch of mega infrastructure projects.
  • Projects include:
    • Construction of bridges
    • Widening of roads
    • Tunnels
    • Railway lines
    • Mega solar projects
    • State-of-the-art airport terminal
    • Wayside amenities to boost tourism
  • Key projects:
    • 15 km Zojila tunnel
    • 230 km Kargil-Zanskar National Highway
    • 10 gigawatt solar energy project covering 20,000 acres in the Changthang region.

Development Policies and Organizations Involved

  • Ladakh (UT) Industrial Land Allotment Policy of 2023 aims to make Ladakh a preferred destination for investment.
  • Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) are spearheading many of these infrastructure projects.
    • NHIDCL’s vision (2021-22 annual report): To fast-track the construction of National Highways and other Infrastructure in vulnerable regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and the UT of Andaman & Nicobar islands.

Past Disasters

  • 2010 onwards: Series of disasters in the Himalayan region
    • 2013: Cloudburst in the upper Himalayas led to flash floods at Kedarnath, causing 6,000 deaths and wiping out several settlements.
    • January 2023: Joshimath disaster as water surged down a mountain slope, submerging parts of the town.
    • November 2023: International attention drawn to the rescue of 41 workers trapped in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel project in the Himalayas.
  • Infrastructure Development in Uttarakhand:
    • Infrastructure projects initiated since Uttarakhand’s formation in 2000.
    • Projects continue despite warnings from geologists and ecologists.
    • Supreme Court of India’s expert committee recommendation:
      • Limit the number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham Himalayan shrines (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri) to the carrying capacity.
        • Carrying capacity: Maximum number of people an ecosystem can support without degradation.
    • Despite warnings, pilgrim numbers have increased annually.
    • Some expert committees advise against setting up hydroelectric projects in the para-glacial zone.

Human Cost of Environmental Destruction

  • When disasters occur, the impact is felt most acutely by:
    • Poor migrant workers involved in ongoing projects.
    • Residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
  • Government bodies sanctioning the projects and developers executing them are largely insulated from the consequences of environmental destruction.

Ineffective Review and Due Diligence

  • Climate Change Activists’ Frustration:
    • Recommendations have been largely ignored, even after approaching courts and forming expert committees.
    • Minimal due diligence conducted for multi-crore mega projects in the mountains:
      • Lack of risk assessment
      • Absence of safety measures
      • Inadequate geological and seismic analysis
    • Development vs. Ecosystem Balance:
      • Development should not compromise the delicate balance of the Himalayan ecosystem and its biodiversity.
      • Collective responsibility to protect the Himalayas and its inhabitants.
    • Wangchuk’s Battle: A Global Concern:
      • Sonam Wangchuk’s campaign extends beyond Ladakh and its people.
      • It represents a fight for humanity and the wellbeing of future generations.
Solutions to Address the Himalayan Region’s Challenges

  • Improved Governance and Oversight: Implement and enforce recommendations from climate change activists and expert committees. Establish a rigorous review process for mega projects:

○      Conduct comprehensive risk assessments

○      Incorporate safety measures

○      Conduct thorough geological and seismic analyses

  • Sustainable Development Practices:

○      Adopt sustainable and eco-friendly construction methods for infrastructure projects.

○      Prioritize projects that have minimal impact on the Himalayan ecosystem and biodiversity.

○      Consider the carrying capacity of the region when planning tourism and pilgrimage activities.

  • Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

○      Involve local communities and indigenous tribes in decision-making processes.

○      Raise awareness among residents, tourists, and pilgrims about the importance of protecting the Himalayan ecosystem.

Enhanced Disaster Preparedness and Response:

○      Develop and implement effective disaster preparedness and response plans.

○      Invest in infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, such as improved tunnel construction and flood-resistant buildings.

  • Educational and Awareness Initiatives:

○      Educate the public and stakeholders about the environmental significance and vulnerability of the Himalayan region.

○      Promote responsible tourism and pilgrimage to reduce environmental impact.

  • Global Collaboration and Support:

○      Seek international collaboration and support for conservation and sustainable development initiatives in the Himalayan region.

○      Share knowledge and best practices with other mountainous regions facing similar challenges.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-battle-to-save-ladakh-and-all-of-humanity/article68054632.ece

Mains question

Discuss the challenges and implications of rapid infrastructure development in the Himalayan region in the context of climate change. Give solutions to address the issues. (250 words)