The end of an ancestral way of living
It is no secret that our planet is warming year after year and it would seem that no region of the globe is spared. Even Zanskar, considered one of the coldest valleys of the Indian subcontinent, does not escape this climate change and for its inhabitants the consequences are dramatic. Indeed, the journey on the frozen river, used over generations to reach Leh during the winter season, is becoming more and more dangerous. It’s no longer as cold, the ice is thinner and this route of over 100 km that runs through the riverbed can be a death trap for those who venture into it. This blog recently related the tragic fate of this student who was trying to join her university.
More recently, the Indian media also reported the rescue of eight people, surprised by the ice thaw as they were walking on the Chadar (name given to the frozen river).
To better understand this phenomenon, here is an excellent report posted by Pascale Sury :
The road to Kargil opened on March 25!
Another noteworthy fact that confirms climate change and its impact on the population of Zanskar: the Indian press has announced the reopening of the Kargil – Zanskar Highway since March 25 following the lack of snow this winter. A historic record as the road had never been opened so early in the year. Of course, this is good news for all the inhabitants of Zanskar who are thus emerging from their isolation, but it is certainly not good news for our planet…