Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike and Ladakh’s Environmental Awakening

By Vivek Saini 

In the frosty streets of Leh, Ladakh’s bustling capital, there lingers a palpable sense of disillusionment and frustration. Sonam Wangchuk, the climate crusader, recently concluded his determined 21-day hunger strike. Throughout his unwavering protest, Wangchuk passionately demanded constitutional safeguards for Ladakh and protection for its delicate ecosystem from the encroachment of industrial and mining interests. Supported by a dedicated group of locals, Wangchuk’s steadfast resolve served as a poignant reminder to the Indian Government of its responsibilities to uphold Ladakh’s environmental integrity and preserve its rich tribal heritage. Together, they united their voices, urging authorities to honor their commitments and shield Ladakh’s pristine environment and centuries-old indigenous culture from the relentless pressures of modernization and development.

The Evolution of Sonam Wangchuk: From Education Reformer to Hunger Striker

Sonam Wangchuk’s journey of dedication to Ladakh has traversed from the realms of education to the harsh reality of a hunger strike. Initially celebrated for his pioneering methods in education, Wangchuk founded the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) school. SECMOL’s ethos revolved around experiential learning deeply rooted in Ladakhi culture, nurturing environmental consciousness among its students. This emphasis on ecological well-being echoed the traditional values ingrained in Ladakhi society.

However, as Wangchuk witnessed the swift transformation of Ladakh’s terrain due to industrialization and mining ventures, he felt compelled to adopt a more proactive approach. On March 6, 2024, he initiated a hunger strike, an extreme measure underscoring the pressing nature of the situation and his steadfast dedication to safeguarding Ladakh’s future.

Wangchuk’s transition from an advocate for educational reform to a hunger striker epitomizes the gravity of Ladakh’s environmental challenges. It’s worth noting that this wasn’t his first such act of protest. In February 2023, he undertook a five-day climate fast at his institute, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), located in the harsh environment of Ladakh at -20°C. This act of protest, as detailed in a previous article by CFC, highlighted his growing concern about the environmental threats facing Ladakh. The January 2023 fast served as a wake-up call, urging authorities to take immediate action to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem and preserve the cultural heritage of the Ladakhi people. While shorter than his recent 21-day hunger strike, it marked the beginning of a sustained movement advocating for a sustainable future for Ladakh.

Marking the end of the first leg of his hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakhi educator and activist, addressed a crowd of 7,000 supporters. In his X post, “END 21st Day OF MY #CLIMATEFAST,” Wangchuk expressed his determination to continue the fight.  He acknowledged that 21 days was the longest hunger strike undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi but emphasized that this was just the beginning. Wangchuk announced a relay hunger strike with various Ladakhi groups, including women’s groups, youth, and monks, following his lead. He expressed hope that  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will demonstrate responsible leadership and address Ladakh’s concerns,  making further hunger strikes unnecessary. The post concludes with several hashtags highlighting the movement’s goals: #SaveLadakh, #SupportSonamWangchuk, #SaveHimalayas, #SaveGlaciers, and #6thSchedule.

Environmental Degradation and a Lost Way of Life in Ladakh

Beneath the breathtaking beauty of Ladakh lies a growing environmental crisis. The influx of industrial plants and mining activities disrupts the delicate balance of the region’s fragile ecosystem. Lush pastures, once teeming with life and a vital resource for Ladakhi nomadic communities, are being consumed by development projects. Reports indicate that seven hydropower projects have been proposed, and various industrial entities have expressed interest in exploring the region, which boasts abundant minerals like borax, gold, granite, limestone, and marble.

Furthermore, bids have been invited for solar projects, and the Ladakh government has applied for permission to clear 157 hectares (388 acres) of forest land to construct electricity transmission lines.

“The proposed development projects may offer some conveniences to the locals, but there is little enthusiasm for this type of development,” remarked Wangchuk. He questioned, “What good is development without democracy?” asserting that Ladakh would become a playground for profit-driven industrialists, neglecting the broader interests of the region.

The environmental crisis extends beyond the loss of pastures. Ladakh’s glaciers, the source of its freshwater, are receding at an alarming rate due to climate change. This jeopardizes not only the water supply for agriculture and human consumption but also the region’s very existence.  The meltwater feeds the Indus River system, a lifeline for millions downstream.  As the glaciers disappear, so too does the predictable flow of water, jeopardizing the water security of a vast region.  The environmental degradation in Ladakh is not just a local issue; it has far-reaching consequences that demand immediate attention.

The Demands of Ladakhi people 

Amidst daunting challenges, the Ladakhi people refuse to await solutions passively. Instead, they actively champion their future through peaceful protests and appeals to the Indian government. At the forefront of their demands is the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This provision offers autonomy and safeguards for tribal communities, crucial for protecting their cultural heritage, land rights, and traditional way of life. By advocating for this inclusion, they aim to wield a more significant influence over Ladakh’s development, ensuring that future decisions prioritize environmental protection and cultural preservation.

In addition to their call for Sixth Schedule inclusion and statehood, the Ladakhi people push for increased political representation. They firmly believe that a stronger voice in the decision-making process is essential to safeguarding their land and securing their future. Currently lacking significant political representation, Ladakhis find it challenging to influence policies directly impacting their lives and environment.

Moreover, the Ladakhi people express grave concerns about the depletion of natural resources driven by rapid development projects. These projects jeopardize the very essence of their way of life as grazing pastures, vital for their livestock herding practices, are engulfed by development. This disruption not only hampers their traditional seasonal migrations but also severs their profound connection to the land, a cornerstone of their cultural identity. Equally troubling is the dwindling supply of water resources, as receding glaciers, the primary source of freshwater, imperil agriculture and human consumption. Additionally, habitat loss due to development projects threatens medicinal plants, integral to their traditional healthcare system.

Furthermore, the Ladakhi people advocate for Ladakh to attain statehood. Presently designated as a Union Territory, they argue that statehood would give them greater political power and a more influential voice in shaping their future. A state government would empower them to formulate policies tailored to their specific needs and concerns, enabling them to pursue a development trajectory that respects their environment and cultural heritage. Ultimately, the Ladakhi people aspire to forge a future where progress harmonizes with tradition, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations. 

Can Ladakh Find a Sustainable Path

The question of Ladakh’s future hinges on finding a way to balance development with environmental protection. The Ladakhi people understand the need for economic growth but not at the cost of their fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage. Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike is a stark reminder of the urgency to find a sustainable path. While solutions exist, progress seems hindered by a lack of response from the Indian government. The Ladakhi people’s demands, including inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and statehood, have yet to be met.

On 4 March, the central government communicated that they couldn’t fully meet the people’s expectations. However, they hinted at the possibility of extending some safeguards.” Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group Think Tank in New Delhi, remarked, “Unless there are substantial political dividends to be gained, the BJP government seems reluctant to make any administrative moves.”

Furthermore, the protesters are keen to highlight that their demands were not unexpected by the government. In fact, during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s manifesto for Ladakh had pledged – “The Declaration of Ladakh under 6th schedule of the Indian Constitution (Tribal Area).

The Indian government’s official stance on Ladakh’s development often prioritizes security concerns. Ladakh’s strategic location bordering China and Pakistan makes it a crucial region for national defense. In the past, government pronouncements have focused on strengthening border infrastructure and military preparedness. This focus on security has sometimes overshadowed concerns about environmental protection and cultural preservation raised by the Ladakhi people.

References:

1. https://secmol.org/
2. https://twitter.com/Wangchuk66/status/1670379250984288259?t=0TARcKxp-TWstcQzyZ2M_g&s=19
3. https://climatefactchecks.org/who-is-sonam-wangchuk-and-why-did-he-undertake-a-5-day-climate-fast-in-ladakh/
4. https://twitter.com/Wangchuk66/status/1772670396535640560?t=SK2ou2iJzymNzn94zV10EA&s=19
5. https://scroll.in/article/1043580/whats-driving-the-protests-against-the-centre-in-ladakh
6. https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2024/3/11/why-are-people-in-indias-ladakh-protesting-against-central-government
7. https://www.thequint.com/opinion/ladakh-crisis-third-rounds-of-talk-with-centre-demands-for-statehood-sixth-schedule-modi-government

Banner Image : Screengrab from Sonam Wangchuk’s video on Twitter