Yash Khajuria
Leh, July 08: The pristine banks of the Sindhu River, a majestic waterway that flows through Ladakh and holds profound cultural significance, are now grappling with severe pollution caused by unchecked human activities. Once a serene and revered river, the Sindhu is being compromised by indiscriminate practices such as washing clothes and vehicles in its waters and rampant littering by visitors and campers.
Local residents are increasingly concerned about the deteriorating condition of the Sindhu River. “Every day, we see people washing their clothes and vehicles in the river. The detergents and oils used are harmful to the aquatic life and the overall health of the river,” lamented Tenzin, a local resident. “Additionally, the plastic waste left behind by campers and visitors is choking the river. It’s heartbreaking to see such a significant part of our heritage being treated this way.”
Tenzin took to social media to raise awareness about the pollution crisis, posting a stark message: “Washing clothes at Sindhu, bathing at Sindhu, washing vehicles at Sindhu & leaving garbages at Sindhu, nobody to stop them, why?” This post has ignited a wave of responses from the community, reflecting a growing frustration over the river’s deteriorating state.
Tsewang Rigzin responded to Tenzin’s post by highlighting the issue of improper practices. “There is nothing wrong to wash clothes, car and swimming, what is the matter? Don’t you see so many plastics and other things scattered here and there… Use common sense… Actually, washing clothes and others are not allowed at public places… Again… use common sense… Keep Ladakh clean,” Rigzin emphasized.
Environmentalist Nilanjan Guha Majumdar added that even small quantities of detergent can have significant ecological effects. “Unless one thinks over it, using common sense, it will seem like ‘what’s the harm?’” he said, stressing the need for increased awareness about the chemicals in detergents and their downstream impacts on the river ecosystem.
Skalzang Wangail Gurgu pointed out that the pollution issue is not confined to casual visitors but also involves military and labor personnel who contribute to the problem. “Most of them bathe and do their business on the banks of the Indus River, which in the summer gets washed downstream…!” he said.
Criticism has also been directed at local authorities and military bodies for their inadequate waste management and lack of instructional measures. “We all have to stop using plastics, as much as possible, to reduce its demand. You guys still have time. But not for very long,” warned Majumdar.
Advocating for responsible behavior, Tenzin Yarphel urged people to avoid harmful detergents and adopt environmentally friendly practices. “Avoid using washing detergents that contribute to pollution and leave harmful residues. Washing and bathing should not be an issue if done responsibly. However, the lack of responsibility and awareness among people makes a complete ban a last, desperate option,” Yarphel said.
The pollution of the Sindhu River poses far-reaching consequences, threatening biodiversity, endangering aquatic life, and posing health risks to local communities that rely on the river for drinking water and irrigation. Environmentalists and community leaders are calling for urgent and concrete actions to address the crisis.
Tsering Namgyal from the Ladakh Ecological Development Group emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to restore and protect the Sindhu River. “The preservation of the Sindhu River requires a collective effort from the government, local communities, and tourists. We must all take responsibility and work together to protect this precious resource,” he urged.
In response to the crisis, the local administration has acknowledged the severity of the pollution issues and is working on measures to mitigate the damage. An official from the Leh District Administration stated, “We are aware of the pollution issues affecting the Sindhu River and are in the process of implementing stricter guidelines and penalties for those who pollute the river. We also plan to launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of keeping our rivers clean.”
As Ladakh continues to attract tourists with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the plight of the Sindhu River serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a balance between development and environmental conservation. The river’s current state underscores the critical need for sustainable practices and collective action to ensure that this vital resource remains pristine for future generations.
