Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan March Set to Enter Mandi: A Call for Environmental Conservation

The Land Acquisition Forum will extend a warm welcome to the participants of the march at various points across the district.

Renowned environmentalist and social activist from Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk, has commenced his march from Ladakh, aiming to spread awareness about the urgent need to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The march will enter Mandi district on September 20 and will culminate in Delhi on October 2. Along the way, the Land Acquisition Forum will greet the marchers at various locations.

According to the Forum’s coordinator, Joginder Walia, the primary goal of this journey is to bring the message of Himalayan conservation to the forefront of national attention, reaching both the citizens of India and the government. He has urged those affected by the four-lane highway construction to gather in their villages, welcome the marchers, and stand in solidarity with the cause.

The schedule for Mandi on September 20 includes stops at Nagwain at 9:30 AM, Takoli at 10:00 AM, Aut at 12:00 noon, and Pandoh (Jagar) at 4:00 PM. After halting for the night, the march will continue on September 21, with events planned at Vrindavan Art Gallery, Mandi at 1:00 PM, followed by a press briefing and lunch. The march will then move towards Behna Bridge at 3:00 PM, Nagchala at 4:00 PM, and will halt for the night at Ner-Chowk Gurudwara at 5:30 PM. On September 22, the marchers will be welcomed at Kaned in Sundernagar at 9:00 AM, and later in the afternoon at Barmana. Everyone is invited to participate actively in this movement.

The arrangements for the marchers’ food and lodging are being managed by local communities along the route. This grassroots effort is turning the march into a people’s movement, fueled by growing support from all quarters.

B.R. Kondal, President of the Land Acquisition Forum, emphasized that this march is not just about protesting the unscientific development practices that are causing significant damage to local farmers—especially through the construction of the four-lane highway—but also about raising awareness about the larger environmental threats facing the Himalayas. He pointed out that the glaciers in the upper Himalayas, which provide water to all of North India, are at risk. If they disappear, the entire region could face a severe water crisis. Kondal stressed that it is up to the people to protect these natural resources, as no one else will do it for them.

Let’s all unite in welcoming this important march and join hands to safeguard our environment.