Focusing ‘Beat plastic pollution’, the 2018 theme on World Environment day, Young Drukpa Association in collaboration with Regional Transport Office Leh, and Ladakh Taxi & Tempo Traveler Operator Cooperative Ltd spread awareness on the protection of the fragile environment of Ladakh on June 5 at Lotsava Hall, Culture Academy, Leh.

Moses Kunzang, ADC Leh chief guest said, “With the collaboration of NGOs, administration and Hill Council, we are trying our best to beat the pollution by bringing a solution in Leh district. Two crushing and shredding machines are scheduled to arrive which will help in disposing off the plastics in a better way. Tetra packs are being taken by PAGIR which are reused and recycle. Bombgarh is the main centre where the problem arises which will be cleared soon after the completion of Solid Waste Management plant in Leh”.

Talking about the need for controlling pollution in rural areas, he talked about the successful running project ‘rTsang-da’ in Choglamsar where waste being generated from household and commercial areas is being segregated and recycled. He informed that similar units have started functioning in Nimmo, Khaltse and Nubra. A unit at Pangong is also going to begin soon.

He further added that to reduce possible water contamination due to excess underground water-drill, the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant is in function. The plant treats faecal sludge from pit latrines, septic tanks and other on-site sanitation systems.

Tsewang Thinles, President, LBA stressed the need of every individual to work for a sustainable future. He shared the initiative taken by his travel agency to use water refill container instead of packaged drinking water bottles for tourist, which can reduce around twelve thousand bottles in one season.

The Young Drukpa Association also distributed 4500 garbage bag among the taxi drivers.

Rinchen Wachar, President, YDA informed about an ox being brought down from the Leh died after ten days at Animal Care center, Nang. When they checked, the stomach of the ox was filled with plastics. He requested people to safeguard the environment for every sentient beings.

Dr. Jigmet Yangchan, Junior scientist SKUAST gave a presentation on the hazardous effects of plastic usage, its ramification and importance of saving water.

 

Meanwhile, Klaus Schaette, a volunteer with Amitabha Tours gave a demonstration about harmful effects of different forms of plastic and stressed on the universal motto of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Replace.