In a landmark step towards preserving Ladakh’s lifeline, LAHDC Leh, under the leadership of Chairman/CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, launched the Singe Tsangspo Tsangde Lasgul – Mission Indus Clean-Up at Sindhu Ghat on August 12.

The event, coinciding with the Har Ghar Tiranga movement, saw an unprecedented gathering of leaders and citizens united in purpose — from the Worthy Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal and senior Army and ITBP officers, to councillors, Gobas, religious heads, civil society, NGOs, trade and transport unions, and nearly 2,000 volunteers.

The programme began with a solemn pledge in both English and Bhoti, committing to protect the Indus River from pollution. 

DC Romil Singh Donk called the Indus “the soul of India,” urging that the mission be an everyday effort rather than a one-day event. Army representative Col. A.K. Upadhayaya reflected on the sacred elements of nature, while DIG K.S. Kas, ITBP, commended the vision of the LAHDC and pledged the force’s active involvement.

Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal spoke of the Indus Valley Civilisation’s legacy, the sacredness of the river, and the very origin of the name “India” from the Sindhu. He also urged better waste management, especially poultry waste, to protect the river’s health. 

CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson underlined that the mission’s success rests on both individual responsibility and collective effort, calling for constructive suggestions and strict enforcement to sustain the momentum.

Following the speeches, dignitaries moved to the riverbanks to lead the clean-up, symbolising collective action. The campaign’s main focus was the Leh Stream — a 13.94 km stretch from Gangles to Abi Spang before merging into the Indus — as well as adjoining nallahs and feeder streams. The stream was divided into 12 cleaning zones, each assigned to specific volunteer groups including LEDeG, Zero Waste Ladakh, LEHO, Women’s Alliance Leh, merchant and transport unions, and armed forces.

By day’s end, approximately 75 tonnes of waste — plastic, cloth, metal scraps, and other pollutants — had been removed and segregated for proper disposal under Solid Waste Management Rules. The day also featured the inauguration of garbage collection vehicles donated under CSR initiatives of CII Foundation and HDFC Bank Parivartan, and a thought-provoking skit by University of Ladakh students on the dangers of waste dumping.

Simultaneously, similar drives were held in all subdivisions under the respective SDMs and Gobas, with Khaltsi, Nubra, Likir, Nyoma, Kharu, and Durbuk showing exemplary mobilisation.