Pune witnessed a powerful demonstration of environmental activism as citizens observed a one-day climate fast on Sunday, March 17, in support of Sonam Wangchuk’s campaign to safeguard Ladakh. The protest, themed ‘Gaon Chodab Nahi, Jungle Chodab Nahi’ (We won’t abandon villages, we won’t abandon forests), convened at Vetal Tekdi, uniting individuals in Pune with the larger movement advocating for Ladakh’s ecological preservation.
Sonam Wangchuk initiated his protest on March 6 in Leh, Ladakh, committing to a series of 21-day fasts to draw attention to the urgent need for action in protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. His resolute stance has garnered widespread support, prompting citizens across cities to join hands in solidarity.
Shweta Kulkarni, an esteemed astronomer and collaborator of Wangchuk, underscored the significance of his fasting initiative as a pivotal step towards nature conservation. She emphasized the inherent value of Earth and stressed the critical importance of addressing climate challenges before it’s too late.
The demand for Ladakh’s inclusion under the sixth schedule gained traction after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which led to Ladakh becoming a separate Union Territory without legislative powers. Advocates like Jigmat Ladol have fervently called for the promised sixth schedule, which would empower Ladakh to enact laws concerning crucial issues such as forest management and preservation of indigenous customs.
Ladol emphasized the imperative to protect Ladakh’s sensitive environment and endangered species, including the snow leopard and black-necked crane, which face threats from rising temperatures and unsustainable tourism practices.
The clamor for the sixth schedule transcends local governance concerns; it symbolizes a broader commitment to preserving the environment and safeguarding indigenous cultures. Pune’s active participation in the climate fast echoes the collective voice of concern for Ladakh’s ecological well-being and cultural heritage, resonating not only across India but also on a global scale.
