The 11th edition of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) began on October 11 at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Leh.

Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Labour & Employment, Bhupender Yadav, presided over the opening session of SMDS. Chairman/CEC, Advocate Tashi Gyalson; MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; GOC 14 Corps Lt. Gen Anindya Sengupta; Principal Secretary Forest, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, PCCF Ladakh, Jigmet Takpa and President IMI, PD Rai were also present.

Youths from different states, UTs, and districts of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) presented a declaration with collective recommendations from the 5th Indian Himalayan Youth Summit held on October 9 on the theme ‘Sustainability and Entrepreneurship for the youths of IHR'.

Highlighting the significance of the declaration presented by the youth from the Himalayan states and UTs from the youth summit, the Minister stated that the youth have a huge responsibility and pivotal role to play in the overall development of the mountain regions. He added that the current government under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is striving to preserve ecological, social values, cultural and historical assets, especially in the entire Himalayan region.

Terming Ladakh a peaceful and unique destination for visitors, he stressed the need for sensitizing and promoting sports, adventure, and spiritual and environmentally responsible tourism in the region.

The Minister also spoke on the issues regarding notified wildlife sanctuaries and the rights of the people residing in such areas of Ladakh. He asked the UT Administration and the Hill Council to draft and compile all the issues. He assured that MoEFCC, GoI along with the Administration would make efforts to find amicable solutions to protect the rights of the people of Ladakh.

The Minister also informed about 2022 being declared the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development and stated that such seminars and discussions would help to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable mountain development and the conservation and sustainable use of mountain ecosystems.

CEC Tashi Gyalson and MP JTN stated that Ladakh is making efforts to become organic and working collectively to reduce the carbon footprint in the region. They spoke about the ongoing projects on harnessing solar and geothermal energies in Ladakh along with the progress in the field of agriculture and horticulture in the region. They also spoke about the recent introduction of Electric Vehicles (EVs) with EV policies and subsidies- a step forward in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of making Ladakh carbon neutral. Both of them extended their gratitude to the Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav for his assistance in clearing all the requisitions on wildlife clearance required for carrying out developmental works in Ladakh. They also informed about the role of local stakeholders, including the youth in the sustainable development of the mountainous regions.

Principal Secretary Forest, President IMI, GOC 14 Corps, and PCCF Ladakh also addressed the gathering and shared their valuable thoughts during the occasion.

Later, President IMI, P.D Rai also submitted the report from last year’s SMDS-X which was held in Darjeeling and was launched by the  MoEFCC Bhupender Yadav in the presence of all the dignitaries.

Dy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Executive Councillors, Administrative Secretaries, DC Leh, Councillors, BDC Chairpersons, officers of UT Administration and District Administration Leh, heads of religious and political organisations, and delegates from around 12 states and UTs of the mountain states also attended the inaugural session.