New Delhi: Renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is on a five-day 'Climate Fast' to gather the attention of leaders to "save Ladakh". Wangchuk began his fast on Thursday, January 26th, on the occasion of the country's 74th Republic Day.
He uploaded his video on Twitter on Friday saying that he is continuing with his fast on day two on the rooftop of the Hial campus as the Khardungla pass is blocked due to heavy snowfall.
“AFTER THE 1st DAY OF MY #ClimateFast FOR LADAKH... Still on rooftop as roads were blocked & I've been denied permission to get to #KHARDUNGLA More later... #SaveLadakh @350 @UNFCCC @UNEP #ilivesimply @narendramodi @LeoDiCaprio,” he tweeted.
He said that the authorities have denied him to go to Khardungla pass citing a threat to his life, though, he claimed it is not the only reason.
“If that is the case, then South Kulu, the base of Khardungla has all facilities of security and health and I should be allowed to go there. I am requesting again to them formally to permit me to (go) Khardungla base if not top,” he said.
He thanked people for supporting him, the Himalayan glacier, Ladakh and its ecology for which, he said, he is doing the fast so that Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls leaders from Ladakh for immediate talks to discuss safeguarding the region under the sixth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Why Is He Doing The 'Climate Fast'
Wangchuk has been known to dedicate his study, knowledge and life to the ecology, environment and people of Ladakh. He uploaded a long video on YouTube and posted it on Twitter on January 21 elaborating on his requests from the government.
He began the video by praising PM Modi for taking steps to save the climate at a time when many global leaders have become 'Climate Criminals'. He said that the people of Ladkah trusted and voted for his government after they were promised of a separate entity and safeguard for their land.
Wangchuk further added that the tribal population amounts to 95 percent of the population of Ladakh and hence they should be safeguarded under the sixth schedule of the Indian Constitution which prevents lands and livelihood of tribal people in the country. He added that the leaders were promised that they will be safeguarded under the sixth schedule but after BJP government came at the Centre, it denied doing so.
Wangchuk further said that there could be a chance that PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah do not even know about the recent development on the matter and urged the Prime Minister to act on the issue. He also highlighted the danger of businessmen or industries reaching Ladakh for their work might cause to the tourist destination's ecology.