People’s Action Group for Inclusion and Rights (PAGIR) along with its aim to work for the rights of persons with disabilities are also working towards environment protection themed, ‘Jungwa Shrungskyob’.

‘Jungwa Shrungskyob’- care for the environment is a social program initiated by PAGIR to reduce pollution and conserve nature. The specially-abled members of Pagir turn the waste materials into usable products like carry bags, cushions, face masks, decorative items, purses, pen stands, envelopes, file covers, etc. The initiative to reduce garbage by recycling useful products impressed Rigzin Samphel, the then Commissioner Secretary, UT Ladakh during his visit to PAGIR in the year 2020. He ordered the first 500 file covers for his office and since then, the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh supported PAGIR by ordering around 5000 file covers.

Tsering Dolma, who has been working with PAGIR paper recycling unit for the last 4 years said, “We have an order of 5000 file covers from UT administration and around 3000 file covers are ready. We collect the waste papers and also some schools, and individuals drop the waste paper at the centre. We make recycled papers and also insulation bricks.”

PAGIR has established a solar passive paper recycling unit at the centre where the members of PAGIR enthusiastically take part in the multi-stage process that starts with the waste paper and ends with the final product of recycled paper. Every member is assigned with their job like some sort the waste paper, while some soak the sorted waste paper in water and other paper processing work. 

Rigzin Dolma, Incharge, Recycle Unit said, “It’s been around 4 years since we have started our recycling project. The differently-abled artisans of PAGIR are engaged in turning the waste materials into usable products. Initially, it was a bit challenging to make them understand about the work but now they are doing the job assigned to them very easily.”

PAGIR didn’t step back during the lockdown days in 2020 when the world was fighting with COVID first wave. They joined hands with ALTOA and made around 3000 face masks to fight against the pandemic, thus contributing their part in the time of crisis. Members of PAGIR are contributing to society in every possible way and have proved that they do not need special services from the people but an equal opportunity, rights, and an inclusive society.