Why are Ladakh’s residents on a hunger strike?

Reasons behind demand for inclusion in Sixth Schedule:

• Ladakh’s Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Leh and Kargil lost powers after Ladakh was declared a Union Territory.
• Residents in Ladakh lack authority over their land, leading to loss of grazing land to China and industrial projects.
• Rapid urbanization and tourism are straining Ladakh’s resources, particularly water.
• Global warming has caused glacier melting and permafrost degradation in Ladakh.
• Glacial lake outburst floods pose a significant threat due to increasing numbers of glacial lakes.
• Despite climate challenges, mining, renewable energy projects, and tourism are increasing in Ladakh.

Conclusion:

• Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule would address concerns by enabling regional and district councils to legislate on land use.
• These councils would possess authority over grazing, agriculture, residential purposes, and other resident interests.

Source: The Hindu