In a remarkable display of community spirit and environmental commitment, Leh town united for the Singe Tsangspo Tsande Lasgul – Mission Indus Clean-Up: “Zero Tolerance Against Pollution” campaign. The large-scale drive focused on the Leh Stream, a vital waterway flowing for approximately 13.94 km—from its origin in Gangles to Abi Spang—before joining the mighty Indus River.
The initiative also targeted adjoining water bodies, nallahs, and feeder streams, and was launched at the scenic Sindhu Ghat by CEC LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, and Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal. The campaign coincided with the Har Ghar Tiranga movement, blending environmental conservation with patriotic pride in the run-up to Independence Day.
To ensure systematic cleaning, the Leh Stream was divided into 12 dedicated zones, each assigned to specific volunteer groups and stakeholders. The effort drew participation from around 2,000 people, including government officials, civil society leaders, NGOs, business associations, transport unions, security forces, and residents.
Key contributors included:
Civil Society & NGOs: Members of LEDeG, Zero Waste Ladakh, LEHO, LNP, and Women’s Alliance Leh; Gobas (Nambardars) of Leh Town; and local residents.
Business & Transport Associations: Members of the Merchant Association, ALGHA, ALTOA, Taxi Union, Bikers Union, Tempo Traveller Union, 207/407 Union, Bus/Mazda Union, and Truck Union.
Security Forces: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army.
By the end of the day, the campaign had achieved an impressive outcome—approximately 75 tonnes of waste collected from Leh’s waterways. The waste, comprising plastic debris, discarded cloth, metal scraps, and other pollutants, was segregated for proper disposal in line with Solid Waste Management Rules.
Speaking at the launch, Hon’ble CEC Advocate Tashi Gyalson praised the collaborative efforts of Leh’s residents and institutions, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard Ladakh’s fragile mountain ecosystem. Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making “zero tolerance against pollution” a guiding principle in environmental initiatives.
The Mission Indus Clean-Up not only rejuvenated stretches of the Leh Stream but also sent a powerful message on the importance of sustained community action. With the Indus River as Ladakh’s lifeline, organisers stressed that such united efforts are essential for protecting precious water resources for generations to come.