Leh-Delhi Climate March: Sonam Wangchuk Leads Ladakh's Call for Justice
Leh/Keylong: Ladakhi innovator Sonam Wangchuk has once again stepped into the limelight, leading a 1,000-kilometer pad yatra from Leh to Delhi, traversing some of the world’s highest and most treacherous passes.
The march will reach New Delhi oñ October 2 at Raj Ghat on birthday of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi to spread the message of peaceful protest.
The cause?
To save Ladakh, to save the Himalayas, and to ensure that Ladakh's fragile environment and unique culture are protected, said Wangchuk
He appealed to the citizens across globe to adopt carbon neutral and simple lifestyles to decrease carbon footprints. Our glaciers are melting, cloudburst and flash floods are increasingly threatening our life, limb and environment, he said.
Wangchuk, who earlier made headlines with his "Climate Fast," has a history of taking bold stands for Ladakh's rights. His protests have always been rooted in deep concern for the land and people of Ladakh.
In the past, he’s sat on fasts, held mass rallies, and mobilized the youth to raise awareness about the climate crisis and the need for sustainable development in the region.
This march, however, isn’t just about the environment—it's a powerful cry for Ladakh’s autonomy.
The Union Home Ministry recently notified five districts in Ladakh, a move that was welcomed by the locals.
But for Wangchuk and many Ladakhis, this isn’t enough.
They remind the Modi government of the promise the BJP had made in their manifesto for implementing the sixth schedule for Ladakhis to protect their culture and ecology.
They are now pushing for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, autonomous hill councils, and ultimately, statehood. They believe these measures are crucial to preserving Ladakh’s identity and giving its people the control they deserve over their land and resources.
The journey from Leh is not for the faint-hearted. Wangchuk and his fellow marchers including women carrying Tiranga will scale some of the most formidable passes in the Himalayas.
Starting with the Khardung La at 17,582 feet, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, they will then take on the Tanglang La at 17,480 feet.
As they move towards Himachal Pradesh, the march will pass through Baralacha La at 16,040 feet, and the icy stretches of Kunzum La at 15,060 feet, crossing into the remote valleys of Lahaul-Spiti. From there, they will descend through the Rohtang Passat 13,050 feet, into the lush Kullu Valley, before making their way through the plains towards Chandigarh and finally Delhi.
The mood among the marchers is resolute. The air is thick with determination as tribal leaders, youth, and villagers join Wangchuk in this arduous journey.
They chant for justice, for protection, and for their future. Wangchuk, with his calm yet firm demeanor, has become the face of this movement, embodying the aspirations of Ladakhis who have long felt sidelined.
As the march progresses towards Delhi, the message is clear: Ladakhis are not backing down.
They’re walking not just for themselves, but for the generations to come, and for the very soul of Ladakh.
