Tsewang Rigzin
Leh, Mar 22: As 2025 is observed as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and March 21 as World Glaciers Day, events across Ladakh are highlighting the urgent need to protect the region’s rapidly receding glaciers. A two-day symposium titled “Safeguarding Frozen Lifelines: Glacier and Cryosphere Preservation in Ladakh” was organized at the University of Ladakh (UoL) to mark the first-ever World Glaciers Day. The event, held in collaboration with the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust (SLC-IT) and the Ohio State University (OSU), brought together experts and researchers to assess the state of Ladakh’s cryosphere and the challenges posed by glacier retreat.
The symposium, was part of global observances led by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The hybrid event featured both in-person and virtual participation from leading glaciologists and hydrologists, including Marcus Nuesser from Heidelberg University, Germany, Prof. Robert Wasson from James Cook University, and Prof. Nicholas Breyfogle from Ohio State University. Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, inaugurated the event, which also included a field visit to Taru Phu.
On the World Water Day, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) in Phyang is concluding its 7th Ice Stupa Competition in which more than 25 artificial glaciers were made worldwide.
Meanwhile, renowned climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk has issued a stark warning about the alarming rate of glacier recession in Ladakh.
Interacting with media persons in Leh recently, Wangchuk emphasized that while Ladakh is directly dependent on glacier meltwater, over two billion people worldwide also rely on the Himalayan glaciers for water. Sonam Wangchuk urged individuals and governments to take swift action to curb carbon emissions, which are accelerating glacial melt.
To counter the crisis, he suggested the construction of reservoirs, check dams, and artificial glaciers such as Ice Stupas, which conserve winter water for gradual release in spring, benefiting agriculture.
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