Arguably Phyang does not cater to the tourist hordes like Leh but still the contrast is astounding. It is because of the “Ama Tsogspa”, they will say. The most striking feature however is — the village is spotlessly clean, “litter-free”.The more recent cleanliness drive is the reason why villages like Phyang are becoming litter-free. They China Semi-pro petrol pressure washer Factory also leave behind mounds of garbage, in the form of packaged foods. “Ama Tsogspa” simply believes that any issue related to the community is their concern and responds to it organically. They should organise exposure trips for us to understand issues in other Himalayan regions. The present garbage-dumping site at Bomb guard in Diskit Tsal, close to the town is ill-planned and proving to be detrimental to the environment. The “use-and-throw” culture is threatening the fine balance in this ecologically-fragile zone. Interestingly it was the 2009 Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots that opened the floodgates of a tourist influx to Ladakh. We need to increase our awareness and build our skills.Increasingly, Mothers’ Alliance groups are taking a stand against social evils like dowry and alcoholism. Withoegion.Some 17 km from Leh, however, this reality changes. This happened largely due to the sustained efforts of the mothers groups.Sadly, the waste management system in Leh is patchy and barely able to cope with the mounting garbage. It means that while women groups have been actively sprucing up their village, carcinogenic and neuro-toxic fumes were being infused into the air.Ladakh, a pristine, serene land nestling in the Himalayas, a zero-waste region, is witnessing its most famous town, Leh, groaning under garbage. Then they burn it indiscriminately.Despite the gaps, Mothers’
Alliance groups have been soldiering on. “Twice a year we collect garbage and then we burn it,” she says.“Ama Tsogspa” is literally a body of village mothers who first came together in the early ’90s in Leh. Tsering Phuntsog, 50, who works as a contractor at Phyang says with pride, “Although packaged foods have increased dramatically over the last eight-10 years, our village looks even cleaner than before!” He or any other local will tell you why. “Ama Tsogspa” is primed to take on increasingly significant roles in society.” With a sigh, she adds: “Actually our real potential is yet to be realised. “Ama Tsogspa” reflects the redoubtable energy and commitment of the mothers of Ladakh of course. Tsering Dolma, 47, a housewife is an active member of Mothers’ Alliance, Phyang. In Ladakhi language, this term means “Mothers’ Alliance”.”Perhaps this lament by Ladol could be a cue for the shape of things to come. However, there are gaps in their awareness. Some 5,000 women are members of different groups across Ladakh. This will help us a lot. In the two districts — Leh and Kargil — these groups have since multiplied. Harmony in nature and sustainable practices that have characterised the region, have come under fire. Its members are engaged in livelihood activities related to agriculture, dairy and food processing. But quintessentially, it remains a homegrown collective of concerned mothers. They realise that in order to be more effective in addressing community matters, their capacities need to be developed further.Sustainable farming, women empowerment and responsible tourism are central to its philosophy. Tourists drawn to its windswept breathtaking landscape do not just stop at that. Yet discerning members are conscious of their own limitations.”Sonam Ladol, 45, president, Mothers’ Alliance, Phyang says, “Members have a lot of energy and interest but we need facilities to draw the best out of them. And that truly is a precious heritage
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