Army Ignoring Env Laws: Ladakh's Eco Disaster Under Army’s Watch?

LEH/SHIMLA: The INDIAN Army, known for its discipline and pride, is now under fire in Ladakh for dumping sewage and trash in the pristine highlands, wreaking havoc on the fragile ecosystem.

A viral video, shot by a local activist, shows an Army truck blatantly emptying sewage in the area. 

Since they have a big presence in Ladakh region and orher parts and borders with China in the Himalayas, once can imagine the plight of the sites where they are camped.

This king of behavior clearly show the Army is also allegedly polluting streams and rivers that come from the melting glaciers —the very lifeline for drinking water  for Ladakhis. 

It's ironic that this is happening while the Himalayas are already reeling under the impact of climate change—cloudbursts, flash floods, receding glaciers—and now, a colossal trash crisis driven by mass tourism.

The Army, which maintains a significant presence along the border in Ladakh, and perhaps in the entire Himalayan region is adding to the wounds by flouting environmental norms and contributing to the region’s pollution.

The foul smell and contaminated water downstream have become a daily reality for locals.

Rigzin Spalbar a member of Ladakh’s IMI (Integrated Mountain Initiative), chapter voiced his concerns:

“The Army should set an example by addressing the trash crisis, not adding to it. They can't get away with the environmental sins they are committing".

They’ve  a territorial wing. They have shown they can make a difference in other places like Delhi and Shimla by greening the cold desert; why not here?”

At a time when the people of Ladakh, led by innovator Sonam Wangchuk, are marching 1,000 km from Leh to Delhi to raise awareness about climate change, it’s shocking to see the Army—a symbol of national pride—ignoring the very laws meant to protect this delicate environment.

Ramesh Negi, President of IMI said: “Responsible tourism and development need to take root in the Himalayas, and the Army must be part of the solution, not the problem".

"We will be taking this up with the Defence Ministry".

"The Army, with all its resources, should lead by example and adopt environmentally friendly practices in the highlands. Technology is available, and it’s high time they use it.”

It’s clear that while the Army might not lack the funds, they seem to be missing the vision at the local level.

The story is no different in other parts of borders where the Army is camped-  in Kinnaur, in Uttarkashi and as far as Arunachal Pradesh. 

At a time when the Himalayas are bleeding due to the combined impact of climate change and unchecked tourism, every entity—including the Army—must be held accountable for their role in protecting the environment, not damaging it.