Waste to Art projects showcased on World Environment Day celebration in Leh

Leh, June 05: World Environment Day celebrated at Eco-park, Leh Main market, organised by Municipal Committee Leh in collaboration with District Administration Leh. The implementing partners were NGOs, such as Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LeDEG), Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) along with Mahila Mandal Leh.

Executive Councillor, Agriculture, LAHDC Leh, Stanzin Chosphel graced the occasion as chief guest, and Principal Secretary, Environment and Forest, UT Ladakh, Sanjeev Khirwar was the guest of honour.

The theme for this year is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, highlighting people’s actions toward plastic pollution reduction.

EC, Stanzin Chospel while addressing the guests appreciated the efforts of Municipal Committee, Leh for giving such opportunities to school students to showcase their Waste to Art projects and also granting prizes to winners for further encouragement. He urged everyone to adopt a sustainable way of living by minimal use of plastic in one’s life and added that individual contribution is very important. He informed that Council is setting up a 50-canal Art village and artists residency, where an exhibition of art galleries will take place by Ladakhi artists, thereby giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents. He further congratulated the winners and other participants for showcasing their creativity at Leh market.

Principal Secretary, Sanjeev Khirwar highlighted that with urbanization and development, there is an exponential rise in waste. He added that if the waste is not controlled properly, it will be a problem for future generations. Further, he informed that the Administration has been working on Solid Waste Management in the city. Additionally, he advised everyone to lay special focus on the environment and consciously remove single-use plastic in their households.

Earlier, guests visited the main market where various waste-to-art projects related to Environment Day were displayed by school students and artists. Later, cash prizes were distributed to the winners of these projects. Musical performances by various Ladakhi artists and bands were part of the event.

Women entrepreneurs from Mahila Mandal Leh presented their biodegradable sanitary napkins to beat plastic usage during the event.

The event was also attended by other dignitaries including ADC Leh, Sonam Chosjor; Director, Urban Local Bodies Leh, Zahida Bano; President Municipal Committee Leh, Dr Ishey Namgyal; Executive Officer, MC Leh, Stanzin Rabgais and delegates from Greece.