Sonam Wangchuk to Undertake 5-Day Fast at Khardhung La

LEH: Sonam Wangchuk, one the most vocal people for the protection of the environment in Laddakh has decided to undertake a five-day long fest at Khardung La to attract the attention of the government on the deteriorating condition of the glaciers of the Himalayas. The location has an altitude of 5,359 m above sea level with temperatures dipping to - 35 degrees Celcius.

Releasing a long video on his Youtube channel, the engineer and inventor tweeted, "ALL IS NOT WELL in Ladakh! In my latest video I appeal to @narendramodi ji to intervene & give safeguards to eco-fragile Ladakh. To draw attention of Govt & the world I plan to sit on a 5 day #ClimateFast from 26 Jan at Khardungla pass at 18000ft -40 degree C."

3 Idiots, a popular Hindi movie inspired by his activities is what introduced Sonam Wangchuk to the public. He has been working for a long time for the conservation of the environment, especially water in the Laddakh region of the country with dedication towards saving the Himalayan Glaciers.

"If measures are not taken, the industries, tourism, and commerce will continue to flourish in Ladakh and will eventually finish it. Recent studies from Kashmir University and other research organizations have concluded that glaciers in Leh-Ladakh will finish nearly to its 2/3rd if they are not properly taken care of. A study by Kashmir Univesity has found that the glaciers surrounded by highways and human activities are melting at a comparatively faster rate," Sonam Wangchuk mentioned.

The Laddakh region has been one of the most pristine tourist destinations in the country. But with the recent growth in tourism in the region, combined with the rising levels of global warming, the glaciers of the region are receding faster than ever before. And this is exactly what he wants to draw the attention of the public as well as the government to. It is important to mention that these glaciers feed some of the most important river systems in India as well as the neighbouring countries and their loss will cause huge problems for water in India as well as the neighbouring countries.

Sonam Wangchuk also mentioned that he did a trial run for this fast atop his Himalayan Institute of Alternatives in Ladakh where the height is about 3500 m with temperatures around - 20 degrees Celcius.

Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk, the engineer from Ladakh gets the seventh Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award

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