Leh, Mar 31: A broad coalition of stakeholders across Ladakh converged at the Shanti Stupa to mark Earth Hour 2026, with calls for sustained climate action and conservation efforts in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region.
Organised by WWF-India under its Western Himalayas Conservation Programme, the event on Saturday brought together representatives from government bodies, civil society organisations, educational institutions, monastic groups and local communities, reflecting an expanding base of public engagement with environmental concerns.
Prominent participants included Eshey Tundup of the Ladakh Ecological Development Group, Tsewang Namgail of the Snow Leopard Conservancy – India Trust, and Ajaz Hussain. Public representatives, including former councillors and political figures from Leh and Kargil, also attended alongside monastic leaders.
Setting the tone for the programme, Rohit Rattan underlined that environmental protection in Ladakh demands shared responsibility across institutions and communities. The region’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly in relation to glaciers, water resources and biodiversity, formed a central theme of the discussions.
The event was anchored by Rigzin Dawa, who emphasised the need to embed conservation practices into everyday life, warning that Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem requires sustained and collective vigilance.
Educational institutions played a visible role, with students from Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School and Druk White Lotus School presenting skits and artworks focused on environmental awareness. Participants were later recognised by dignitaries for their contributions, underscoring the role of youth engagement in shaping future conservation efforts.
Speakers across sessions reiterated that addressing environmental challenges in Ladakh cannot remain confined to isolated initiatives. Instead, coordinated efforts involving government agencies, community groups and conservation organisations were described as essential to respond effectively to changing climatic patterns.
The programme culminated in a symbolic switch-off of lights at the hilltop monument between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm, aligning with the global Earth Hour observance that calls for reduced energy consumption and heightened awareness of environmental issues.
Now in its 20th year globally, Earth Hour in Ladakh has evolved into a participatory initiative, with organisers and attendees describing it as an emerging community-driven movement rather than a one-day campaign.
