CEC flags off Ladakh Ice Skating Team for Nationals
Leh, Jun 19: In a strong and urgent call for an aggressive Indus river and adjoining area clean up, the Chairman, CEC of LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, chaired a high-level meeting of key stakeholders to lend their support to the mission-mode clean-up campaign aimed at enforcing zero tolerance against pollution in the sacred Indus River.
Also present were SDMs of Likir and Kharu; Dy.SP HQ Leh, Sonam Angchuk; Tehsildars of Leh and Nyoma; Executive Engineer of Igoo/Phey; and the District Officer of the PCC, Leh among others to address the alarming pollution levels in and around the Indus River.
Representatives from civil society and major associations also participated, including Presidents of Christian Association, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, ALGHA, ALTA, ALTOA, LTTA, Merchant Associations.
Stressing the cultural, religious, and ecological significance of the Indus River—revered and relied upon by generations—CEC Tashi Gyalson expressed grave concern over the increasing pollution caused by garbage dumping and the release of untreated sewage into the river. “This river is not just a water body. It is sacred. It is worshipped, and it sustains lives. We cannot stand by as it turns into a dumping ground,” he said.
A recent water test revealed the disturbing presence of arsenic levels in the Indus being higher than those found in treated sewage plant discharge, prompting the H’CEC to describe the situation as “deeply concerning and unacceptable.” He called for immediate and coordinated action from all stakeholders, including Councillors, Nambardars, the Municipal Committee, rural and urban development bodies, and citizens.
To ensure sustained monitoring and enforcement, the Hon’ble CEC directed the ADC Leh for formation of a Flying Squad at sub-division level to identify and curb illegal dumping activities along vulnerable stretches of the river.
He further directed the ADC Leh to constitute a District-Level Committee, chaired by the Hon’ble CEC, comprising representatives from the army, paramilitary forces, BRO, Nambardars, Ex-Sarpanch/ Panch and government officials. The committee will be responsible for overseeing ongoing interventions, reviewing progress, and formulating future strategies.
He also directed the CWLW, Sajjad Mufti, to identify and specify relevant bylaws aimed at safeguarding the fragile environment of Ladakh—particularly under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, administered by the CPCB or any other extant laws—for imposing stringent penalties on violators and for ensuring accountability.
As a decisive first step to rejuvenate the Indus, the meeting resolved to initiate a large-scale, community-driven cleanliness campaign. The drive will actively involve the army, paramilitary forces, BRO and local stakeholders.
The CEC also decided to hold a high-level meeting with the Army, Paramilitary, and BRO to devise targeted strategies for the protection of the Indus River.
He further proposed a follow-up meeting with the UT Administration to discuss the formulation of effective bylaws and enforcement mechanisms for imposing penalties on violations.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the DC’s Office, was attended by EC Ghulam Mehdi and LoP Tsering Namgyal, along with Councillors Lobzang Sherab, Stanzin Chosfail, Tundup Norbu, Dr. Morup Dorjey, Ishey Spalzang, Thinles Nurboo and Sonam Thardos. Key officials present included Sajjad Hussain Mufti, Chief Wildlife Warden, and Ghulam Mohammad, ADC, Leh.
From the Indian Army, Lt. Col. P.S. Bisht (SM), ADM COMDT STN HQ Leh; Lt. Col. Dhawal from HQ CE (P) HIMANK; Col. C. Paul, ADM COMDT STN HQ 3 INF Kharu; and Col. S. S. Aulakh, ADM COMDT STN HQ Kiari, participated in the meeting. The ITBP was represented by DIG K.S. Rawat.
Later in the day, in a proud moment for the region, the UT-Ladakh Ice Speed and Figure Skating Team was flagged off by the Hon’ble Chairman/CEC LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, for the 20th National Ice Speed & Figure Skating Championship, scheduled from June 25–29 at the Himadri Ice Rink in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Led by International Coach Mohd Abbass Nordakh and Manager Waseem Akbar, the 14-member team comprises promising skaters from across Ladakh.
Fresh off their dominant performances at the 4th and 5th Khelo India Winter Games—where they topped the medal tally—the team enters the championship with confidence and determination. A five-day pre-event training camp is being organised by the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI) to fine-tune their preparations.
Under the expert guidance of Coach Nordakh, the team has undergone rigorous training, and expectations are high for another podium finish.
The Hon’ble CEC Tashi Gyalson, along with LISA General Secretary Tundop Namgial, parents, and supporters, extended heartfelt wishes to the team, expressing hope that they will once again bring pride and inspiration to the region.
The team’s participation in the national championship highlights Ladakh’s growing prowess in ice skating and serves as a strong catalyst for inspiring the next generation of skaters in the region.
Later in the day, Gyalson, was called on by a delegation from Spangmik Gonpa in the presence of Nominated Sanga Councillor, Ven. Konchok Tsepal.
The delegation, led by Khenpo Konchok Samdup, President of Spangmik Gonpa, and Drupon Phuntsog Gyaltson, felicitated the Hon’ble CEC with a memento in recognition of LAHDC’s support towards the development of essential infrastructure for the newly inaugurated Serbumchan Gonpa in Spangmik. The Council’s assistance included improvements in water supply, road connectivity, and solar power facilities for the monastery.
The Serbumchan Gonpa was recently inaugurated by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Thinley Lhundup Rinpoche.
