In observance of World Glacier Day, a two-day symposium titled “Safeguarding Frozen Lifelines: Glacier and Cryosphere Preservation in Ladakh” was held at the University of Ladakh (UoL), Leh Campus.

The event was organized collaboratively by the University of Ladakh, Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust (SLC-IT), and The Ohio State University (OSU). The symposium brought together experts and researchers to discuss critical issues related to climate change, the 

Tsewang Namgyal, Director of SLC-IT, emphasized the urgency of the issue, “We, the people of the mountains, are directly or indirectly dependent on glaciers for our survival. Today, we are witnessing an undeniable retreat of glaciers, drying springs, and acute water shortages. These are not distant warnings—they are happening now, here, in Ladakh.”

He stressed that despite the growing concern, India still lacks a dedicated policy or legal framework to protect glaciers or regulate the extraction of glacial water.

“As the world celebrates the International Year of Glacier Preservation, we must draw attention to these frozen lifelines that have long been overlooked in our national discourse,” he added.

Professor Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, described glaciers as the foundation of Ladakh’s existence.
“Glaciers are not just snow-capped mountains—they are life itself. They feed our rivers, quench our fields, and sustain our culture. We must learn to use this resource responsibly.”

He advocated for the use of advanced technologies like Remote Sensing, GIS mapping, and hydrological modeling to monitor glacier health and forecast potential disasters such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

“Our students must be at the forefront of this mission. By collecting and analyzing data, they can inform timely action and policy decisions,” he said.
Mandeep Mittal, IFS, Wildlife Warden Leh, brought an ecological perspective to the conversation, noting that glaciers are not only vital for human life but also support a diverse range of wildlife.

“From snow leopards to migratory birds, Ladakh’s unique biodiversity depends on glacial ecosystems. Wildlife tourism, which sustains many of our villages, is deeply tied to the health of our environment.”

He cautioned that the degradation of glaciers could lead to irreversible damage to both natural habitats and local economies.

“Clean air and clean water begin with glacier protection. We must embrace an eco-conscious lifestyle—limit car use, reduce plastic waste, and adopt daily habits that reduce our carbon footprint. Every small action counts in conserving our environment,” Mittal urged.

The symposium concluded with a collective call for sustained efforts at policy, scientific, and community levels to preserve Ladakh’s frozen lifelines for future generations.