Spreading environmental awareness on dizzy heights
Two Rotarians from Rotary Club of Cochin Technopolis, RID 3201, Vivek Prasannan and Vinu Joseph recently embarked on a motorcycle journey from Manali to Leh to study the adverse effects of climate change in the trans-Himalayan region.
They experienced for themselves the sad reality of climate change affecting the entire Indian subcontinent through summers that are getting harsher and the flooding of rivers during monsoons, said Club President Jayaraj Kulangara.
During their motorcycle ride to Leh in Ladakh, the Rotarians halted at Jispa and Sarchu. Their trip involved the thrilling and scary experience of crossing some of the treacherous mountain passes in the world such as Tanglang La, Khardung La, Chang La, all of them around 17,000–18,000 ft above sea level.
On the way they saw heart-breaking sights such as beautiful hill stations and mountain passes destroyed by heavy influx of tourists during summer.
“Though the ride itself was adventurous and extremely challenging, we were thrilled to spread awareness of Rotary at such dizzy heights where we mingled with the local people,” said Prasannan. Added Joseph, “During our interaction with the locals we strived to spread awareness on how citizens need to do their bit in protecting and preserving the environment and minimising the impact of climate change, which is holding out such a threat to our world.”
