Disaster unfolds in Zanskar Valley and Disrupts Chadar Trek

Disaster unfolds in Zanskar Valley and Disrupts Chadar Trek

The popular Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River

 

The most awaited winter expedition in Ladakh for serious trekkers, the Chadar frozen river trek is called off in the last minute, after the discovery of a 250 feet landslide which had blocked the Tsarap Chu (a tributary of Zanskar River), leading to the formation of a 5 Km long artificial lake upstream, between Shaday Sumdo and Mar-Shun in the Kargil district of cold desert of Ladakh.  

The spot of the landslide on Tsarap Chu River between Shaday Sumdo & Marshun

 

White Magic tracked down some additional information about the valley-blocking landslide on the Zanskar River on northern India.  

picture from National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)

 

Just days after the uproar and confusion created by the circular from All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), stating a cap on the number of trekkers for the famed Chadar trek, came the calamity, further deepening qualms of environmental damage and the factors responsible. As stated by Skalzang Wangyal, executive councilor, tourism and power, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Ladakh has never before experienced a landslide of this magnitude. It has almost completely blocked the fast-flowing tributary, posing a great danger of flooding. Anxious authorities promptly closed the famous frozen ice Chadar trek for tourists and appealed to people living in four villages to shift stating the greater danger of the artificial lake causing flooding and submerging these areas. Skalzang Wangyal maintained that 97 per cent river has been blocked by the landslide between Shady Sumdo and Marshun leading to the formation of the artificial lake. As this situation unfolds and experts assess it and report, White Magic further emphasizes the need for sensitive and responsible travel. We had two departures for this famed trek which had to be cancelled at the last minute. Most of the companies tried redirecting the trek to other parts of Ladakh, which can never be matched to the Chadar Experience. But what is now the most important issue is the impact this Landslide will create. Putting down a few thoughts here. Impact of the Landslide -With danger of flash floods looming, The District Administration has imposed a ban on the trek with immediate effect on 17th January, 2015 -There is grave danger of the accumulated water bursting any time, posing serious threat to travellers on Chadar and villages located near the river at low lying areas. The Zanskar is a tributary of the Indus and there are several villages further down which will be affected if there are flash floods. -There are many suspension bridges across the Zanskar River and many on Indus too, which are in danger of getting washed away. -The hydro-electric dam project at Alchi on the Indus could be affected escalating the cause for concern. -Major impact on the livelihood of porters and guides in view of the ban on trekking. -An aerial recce of the region revealed that a whole side of mountain soil had landed on the Phuktal River from Shaday Sumdo at a distance of 5.5 km from Marshun. The artificial Lake formed had grown in length to extend to almost 14 km on Feb 10, 2015 Long-term Implications -Ladakh is where we operate from mid-May to mid-October and there are thousands of tourists landing in Leh for Trekking, Climbing and general Sightseeing. What will happen to the artificial Lake will decide the fate of the coming Ladakh Summer Season. Since most of Leh, Ladakh depends and thrives on Tourism a bad season could have serious consequences. -For the rafting community, Zanskar and Indus are great rivers to raft and Kayak on. The Tsarap Chu is a classic grade V Kayaking section and draws Kayakers to Ladakh from all over the World. The Zanskar river and gorge section is famously know as the "Grand Canyon of Asia". Flooding of the river or any kind of sudden increase in water levels will definitely change its features and will majorly affect Rafting/Kayaking operations this Summer.

Zanskar is a classic river for Rafting and Kayaking. Tsarap Chu is a Grade V Kayaking section

 

By Feb 10, 2015 the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA) had been roped in to handle the blocked river crisis and the team was in Leh reviewing the crisis and coming up with contingency plans. The whole adventure and tourism Industry waits with bated breath on how this story will unfold. Just goes to show how powerful and unforgiving Mother Nature can be, if she wants to be. And how if we do not take care of her with all the love only havoc awaits.

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