Sonam Wangchuk led Ladakhis 1000 km Climate March Gets Warm Reception in Manali. Various Groups in Mandi to Join Padyatra.
Manali/Mandi: Ladakh’s well-known environmentalist and social activist, Sonam Wangchuk, has embarked on a 1000 km climate march from Leh to Delhi, aimed at raising awareness about the protection of the Himalayas.
The march, which began in Ladakh, reached the picturesque tourist town of Manali after passing through Lahaul, where Wangchuk and the marchers were greeted with enthusiasm.
School children from Manali also joined the march for a stretch till Raison, making it a memorable day for the participants.
On September 20, the march is set to enter Mandi district, where various groups, including the Land Acquisition Affected Forum, have planned to welcome the marchers at different points along the route.
Joginder Walia, the forum’s convener, stated that the march will deliver a crucial message about the preservation of the Himalayas to both the Indian public and the government.
Walia urged the people, especially those impacted by the four-lane highway project, to come together in their villages to greet the marchers and show their support.
"The march is not just a symbolic walk—it’s about uniting to protect the environment and highlighting the adverse impacts of development projects, like the unscientific cutting of mountains, which has deeply affected local farmers," said Walia.
The march will follow a packed itinerary in Mandi. On the morning of September 20, the march will stop at Nagwain at 9:30 AM, followed by Takoli at 10 AM, Aut at noon, and Jagar in Pandoh at 4 PM, where the marchers will rest for the night.
On September 21, the march will resume after lunch and a press briefing at Vrindavan Art Gallery at 1 PM in Mandi, passing through Behna bridge at 3 PM and reaching Nagchala at 4 PM. The day will end with a stopover at Ner-Chowk Gurudwara around 5:30 PM.
The journey will continue on September 22, with a reception in Kaned, Sundernagar at 9 AM and later at Barmana in the afternoon.
BR Kondal, President of the Land Acquisition Affected Forum, highlighted the environmental crisis facing the region.
"The march is aimed at awakening people to the urgent need to protect our mountains, trees, and environment.
The Land Acquisition Forum also believes that reckless development, particularly the construction of the four-lane highways, is causing severe damage to the mountains and leading to massive soil erosion," said Kondal.
Wangchuk’s march is a grassroots movement that is steadily gaining momentum as locals, concerned citizens, and environmental groups come together to support the cause.
Arrangements for food and accommodation for the marchers are being made by locals along the route, which is turning this march into a people’s movement. Kondal further emphasized the importance of preserving the glaciers in the upper Himalayas, which are vital to the water supply of northern India.
"If these glaciers disappear, the entire region will face a severe water crisis, and it’s up to us to protect them," he added.
The Land Acquisition Affected Forum, along with other local groups, has urged the public to come out in large numbers to support the march and its message.
