Commemorating the Indian and Universal Children’s day, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), along with Leh Phudho Society, Municipal Committee Leh and Save the Himalayas Foundation with the support of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrates 'Children as Change Makers for Climate' on November 18 at Gangles Valley.

The event was initiated for a community plantation of wild rose (siya), sea-buckthorn and Juniper which could solve the water problem.

R.K Mathur, Lt Governor of UT Ladakh who was the chief guest of the occasion expressed contentment of being in Ladakh and attending the plantation drive.

Quotating Mahatma Gandhi, R.K Mathur said, “World has enough for everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed”. He further said that if tradition and modernity worked together in the interest of the ecology then we have the solutions for every problem. He further cautioned on judicious use of water.

Sonam Wangchuk, Director HIAL/SECMOL explained the two major concerns of the region which are excess of water (flood) and shortage of water during the spring season for irrigation. Providing with the solution he explained that the artificial glaciers and canals could curb the water shortages while indigenous plantation such as wild rose, juniper and sea-buck thorns at the higher side of the valley will reduce the chances of the flood by absorbing the water and hold the soil also.

He also said that each valley of Ladakh has the potential to mitigate the natural disaster like floods and drought. He informed that around 5000 indigenous plants were planted on the same day. Sending message across the world he said, “Please live simply, so we may simply live.” 

His Eminence Skyabje Drukpa Palga Rinpoche advised the students to protect the environment and to live with harmony.

Gyal.P Wangyal, CEC appreciated HIAL and supporting team for the initiative and said that the concept of harnessing modern technology to avoid water problem is a great step towards the future of UT Ladakh.

Dr. Eshey Namgyal, President MC Leh; Ven. Sanga Sena, Director/Founder MIMC, Prof. Farooq Khan, Rector Leh campus KU, Military and Paramilitary personnel and children from various schools were present.