LEH: As a part of the ongoing 19th Bakula Rinpoche’s Birth Centenary celebrations, Young Drukpa Association (YDA) Leh observed World Environment Day on top of Khardongla by flagging off a cleanliness drive.
After flagging off the cleanliness campaign, Skyabje Thuksras Rinpoche, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, performed ‘Rivo Sangchot’ Pujas ceremony.
Recounting Bakula Rinpoche’s contribution to Ladakh, Skyabje Thuksras Rinpochey advised Ladakhi people and leaders to follow Bakula’s step to contribute to Ladakh’s development. Rinpoche himself also pledged to follow steps of Skyabje Thiksay Rinpoche, Skyabje Tokdan Rinpoche and late Gyalsras Bakula to contribute to the development of Ladakhi society. He also urged for unity in Ladakhi society amongst all stakeholders for the prosperity of Ladakh.
Thuksras Rinpoche announced that YDA will support each taxi driver in Leh with a bag to keep garbage which can later be disposed off at a proper place.
CEC, LAHDC, Dr Sonam Dawa said Ladakhis used to keep high passes and mountains clean in the past but unfortunately today these sacred places are become garbage dumping sites. He advised visitors to spend less time on Khardongla as it can cause high altitude problem to some if stayed longer. To stop open defecation, CEC asked army and the BRO officials to built proper toilets on North Pullu and South Pullu for their officials and labourers.
Secretary Bakula Centenary Committee, Dr. Sonam Wangchok said the Word Environment Day is being observed on Khardongla Top to send a strong message to the rest of the world that in the race of development, mankind has caused destructions with the interdependence of the ecological system. He said that due to environmental degradation, the planet has seen the extinction of many species and more species are at the verges of their extinction.
Executive Councillor Tsering Sangdup, Councillor Upper Leh Gelong Lobzang Nyantak, President LBA Women’s Wing Tsewang Dolma, Chokji Lama Spituk Gonpa, Chakzot Chemre Gonpa, Officer in Command Noth Pullu, YDA members and members from different societies were present on the occasion.