Campaign group warns of Himalayan ecological crisis, condemns Wangchuk's arrest

By A Representative 

People for Himalaya, a collective campaign for climate and disaster justice across India’s mountain states, held a press conference in the national capital on 29 September, condemning the arrest of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) and demanding his immediate release. The campaign called the arrest an attack on democratic rights and an attempt to silence Ladakh’s people, who have been voicing concerns over constitutional rights, livelihoods, and the environment.

The group also denounced the violent police action against peaceful protestors in Leh on 24 September, where four people were killed and over 80 injured, including 15 critically. Describing the firing on unarmed citizens as an act of brutality, People for Himalaya demanded accountability at the highest level, including a judicial inquiry, the resignation of Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor and Director General of Police, and the release of all arrested leaders. It also reiterated support for the four-point agenda of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, including statehood and Sixth Schedule protection for Ladakh.

The campaign linked Ladakh’s crisis to wider environmental and governance failures across the Himalayas, pointing to the devastation caused by the 2025 monsoons in Uttarkashi, Mandi, Kishtwar, Joshimath, Dharali, Siang, Ladakh, and Sikkim. It stressed that these disasters were not merely natural, but the result of climate change compounded by poor governance, unregulated infrastructure, deforestation, and reckless development such as commercial tourism and mega-projects.

People for Himalaya criticised the dilution of environmental safeguards, citing the Char Dham road project as an example where ecological concerns were ignored, worsening landslide risks. It demanded stronger disaster response systems, fair rehabilitation, and guaranteed central government support for affected communities, with special provisions under the Forest Conservation Act for mountain state rehabilitation. The campaign further sought strict enforcement of the Dam Safety Act, restructuring of key regulatory bodies, and penalties for violators of environmental norms.

Rejecting destructive projects such as mega dams, railways, and solar parks in fragile zones, the campaign called for scrapping the 2023 amendments to the Forest Conservation Act and restoring rigorous environmental impact assessments. It urged decentralised governance through proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act, mandatory Gram Sabha consent for projects, and public disclosure of hydrological, air, and hazard data to enable independent monitoring.

The campaign affirmed solidarity with the people of Ladakh and Himalayan communities resisting ecological destruction, vowing to support their fight for democratic rights and sustainable futures. Speakers at the press conference included Sajjad Kargili of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, Atul Sati of the Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, Manshi Asher of Himdhara Collective, and Anmol Ohri of Climate Front Jammu.

People for Himalaya, launched in 2024 after major disasters in Himachal, Joshimath, and Sikkim, said the 28 September consultative meeting resolved to strengthen pan-Himalayan solidarity and take forward the movement for ecological justice in the wake of successive disasters.