‘Ladakh’s Cultural Heritage at Risk Amid Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road Expansion’
VoL Desk, March 28: Among the applause and appreciation that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) received on connecting the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh on Monday (March 25), locals in Ladakh are concerned about the plausible change in landscape and cultural heritage of the area that predominantly inhabits tribal population.
This 298-km road will connect Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on Kargil – Leh Highway.
However, Cultural Activist and Independent Researcher from Ladakh Dr. Sonam Wangchuk in a post on X platform expressed his concern over the development. “On one hand, I am happy to learn that BRO India has connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh recently. However, I am really concerned that it might change the landscape of Zanskar, the land of rich culture and heritage”, stated Dr. Sonam.
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In a reply to the post of Dr. Sonam, Social Activist from Kargil, Adv. Mustafa Haji, who is also serving as Legal Advisor to Leh Apex Body seconded the concern.
“I wholeheartedly concur! I’ve always been curious about why the Kargil- Zanskar road is made so wide? Instead of being a two-lane road, it has been converted to a four-lane one, which is completely needless, unless it is part of a bigger plan. And of course not to mention the number of trees that will have to be cut in the Suru Valley for this project”, typed Mustafa Haji.
Another person named Stanzin Gawa contested Dr Sonam, “We would be hypocritical to cynically express reservations on the development of least developed region while we enjoys all the facilities. This road is not only important for civilians movement but it will give strategic advantage to Indian Army supply line over China and soon over dependency on zojila will be minimized”.
“Totally agreed and that’s why I said I am happy and appreciated BRO for connecting this very important road but as a culture and heritage activist I am worried about the rich cultural heritage of Zanskar. I am not against the road at all”, replied Dr. Sonam.
“To avoid any damage or threats to any historical site or property, custodians of cultural and heritage members should have dialogue with BRO and work cohesively”, maintained Gawa.
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Paid news. Years long people were waiting for all weather road.
Absolutely gorgeous development for the people of the hitherto neglected region. Hats off to the bold foresight of the new regime in the long-term interest of the nation.
Very strange that educated and resourceful people want to enjoy every facility and comfort of technology and connectivity for themselves and their own families. But they suddenly start worrying about culture, environment and evey other imagina(ary)ble things when these facilities start reaching the poor, excluded and disadvantaged people. I saw Zanskaris amazed at see an electric bulb and a temporarily fitted water tap first time in their life in 1980 when I accompanied HH Dalai Lama as his photographer. Even in later years the poor Zanskaris remained cut off from rest of planet earth and human race for over 7 months in a year due to absence of an all weather road. It is a mockery of idealism if someone is opposing a good road only to enjoy the luxury of watching some people in misery and exclusion in the name of culture and blah blah….
Well said
I fully agree with Mr Ajay Kranti. Zanskarpas know the harsh reality.
We lost many lives just because of the lack of modern amenities, especially road that too be in the winter. Mr. Wangchuk, you took all the modern amenities to setup SECMOL, popularise yourself and now you are a cultural activist!
Zanskar don’t need preaching and teaching. It is know quite mature to handle it’s own adversities!
We are thankful to Modi Govt, Late (Sh. Atalji, Sh. George Fernades, Sh. Chaman la Gupta, Sh. Sonam Norboo, )
Sh. Tsewang Chostar, Kmr Spalzes Angmo, Buddhist Youth Association Zanskar and Zanskar Student Association.
I fully supported Sh. Vijay Kranti’s view.
This year many lives are lost just because of lack of modern amenities especially road connectivity in Zanskar. NPD road willl be a life line for the Zanskarpas.
I am grateful to Govt of India lead by Sh. Narender Modi, M.P JTN on connecting this tough terrain road in a record time in sub zero temperature.
Thanks and sincere gratitude also goes to Late [ Mr. Atalji, then P.M, who robustly announced from the dias when BYA lead by Sh. Tsewang Chostar staged protest and put memorandums to Govt of India from Jammu, Indira Chowk more than 2 decades ago, “that this people have asked for a road connectivity after 50 years of Independence, not Freedom. I am accepting their demand. Take the road!” Mr. George Fernades then Defense Minister, Mr. Chaman la Gupta then M.P Udhampur constituency and latter MOS Defence, Mr. Sonam Norboo, then cabinet Minister PWD J&K under Sheikh Abdullah, was first to propose that all weather road connectivity to Zanskar is Nimmu Padam. He even sanctioned a budget for it but was called by local leaders to first connect with Kargil for faster connectivity under funds available] Sh. Tsewang Chostar then Organiser BJP Ladakh, who single handedly visoned that Zanskar’s emancipation can happen only with Chadar Road, Zanskar District, Zanskar MLA Constituency and Sub Hill council. He encouraged and took support from all Ladakh student Union Jammu,
Zanskar Student Union Jammu, local pilgrims and labourers residing in Jammu and Himachal to carry out a mass protest in Jammu, the winter capital of then J&K State. He even joined BJP with his supporters to fulfil his demand for his people, thus paving way for the maiden BJP’s office establishment with Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh who latter went on to be the Deputy, C.M of J&K; under the guidance of then M.P Sh. Chaman Lal Gupta.
Miss Spalzes Dolma, BJP’s first candidate from Ladakh who had strongly raised the demand for Chadar Road, which latter got updated to Nimmu Padum Darcha Road and it was in party’s election manifesto since then;
and Thanks also to lots of local leaders and anonymous individuals for their – Vision, sincere Dedication and Continous years of follow up for completing this esteem, aspirational road connectivity to Zanskar.
Rest whosever takes extra credit and issue harsh criticism, we Zanskarpa are Happy at the end to travel on this landmark highway!
Rest Echoes can’t be stopped in this beautiful Chadar Gorge! More the merrier?
There is nothing to worry when people of Zanskar met with road connectivity facilities. The elite members of Leh doesn’t have a count of how many patients, pregnant ladies and emergencies have witnessed casualties from Zanskar. They have the equal rights to enhance their capabilities with the advanced technology of health & education. And people of Zanskar are not money mongers like the ones in Leh; neither slowly nor Swiftly they will become. Coming to preservation of cultural heritage, it is always the propoganda from the travel agency running from Leh that contribute in exploitation of cultural heritage by showcasing them; no matter they are endangered or need preservation or conservation. So it’s only connecting the two divergence yet necessary theme.
Very well said connectivity will add on to the heritage and wellness of the area
Both the development and expansion can be managed if handled carefully. A cultural heritage committee can be entrusted with supervision work in cooperation with the Border Roads Organization.
I fully agree with Sh Vijay Kranti’s view. This year many lives are lost in Zanskar just because of lack of modern amenities especially road connectivity. NPD road willl be a life line.
for the Zanskarpas.
I am grateful to Govt of India lead by Sh. Narender Modi, M.P JTN on connecting this tough terrain road in a record time in sub zero temperature.
Thanks and sincere gratitude also goes to Late [ Mr. Atalji, then P.M, who robustly announced from the dias when BYA lead by Sh. Tsewang Chostar staged protest and put memorandums to Govt of India from Jammu, Indira Chowk more than 2 decades ago, “that this people have asked for a road connectivity after 50 years of Independence, not Freedom. I am accepting their demand. Take the road!” Mr. George Fernades then Defense Minister, Mr. Chaman la Gupta then M.P Udhampur constituency and latter MOS Defence, Mr. Sonam Norboo, then cabinet Minister PWD J&K under Sheikh Abdullah, was first to propose that all weather road connectivity to Zanskar is Nimmu Padam. He even sanctioned a budget for it but was called by local leaders to first connect with Kargil for faster connectivity under funds available] Sh. Tsewang Chostar then Organiser BJP Ladakh, who single handedly visoned that Zanskar’s emancipation can happen only with Chadar Road, Zanskar District, Zanskar MLA Constituency and Sub Hill council. He encouraged and took support from all Ladakh student Union Jammu,
Zanskar Student Union Jammu, local pilgrims and labourers residing in Jammu and Himachal to carry out a mass protest in Jammu, the winter capital of then J&K State. He even joined BJP with his supporters to fulfil his demand for his people, thus paving way for the maiden BJP’s office establishment with Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh who latter went on to be the Deputy, C.M of J&K; under the guidance of then M.P Sh. Chaman Lal Gupta.
Miss Spalzes Dolma, BJP’s first candidate from Ladakh who had strongly raised the demand for Chadar Road, which latter got updated to Nimmu Padum Darcha Road and it was in party’s election manifesto since then; and Thanks also to lots of local leaders and anonymous individuals for their – Vision, sincere Dedication and Continous years of follow up for completing this esteem, aspirational road connectivity to Zanskar.
Rest whosever takes extra credit and issue harsh criticism, we Zanskarpa are Happy at the end to travel on this landmark highway!
Rest Echoes can’t be stopped in this beautiful Chadar Gorge!
Absolutely gorgeous development for the people of the hitherto neglected region. Hats off to the bold foresight of the new regime in the long-term interest of the nation.
Even in 2023 the zanskar has power outage during the daytime on a regular basis. Handful of people for their own vested interests create an issue not looking at the larger picture. Flora and fauna can grow back but will the land occupied by invaders once taken be given back.
The work done necessitates development and care for the region as and when required.