His Holiness the Dalai Lama has voiced his concerns over changes in Tibetan Ecology. Speaking at an event at his residence in Dharmashala he said that he is very concerned about the climate change particularly in Himalayan region and Tibet. He also said that India has every right to be concerned about Tibet and its ecology.
Underlining the importance of Tibet and Himalaya’s fragile ecological balance he said “Indians in particular have certain right to show concern about Tibetan ecology because rivers that come from Tibet (are) used by Indians so you have some right to express your sense of concern,”
It is pertinent to mention here that Tibet is very important to India. It plays a big role in advance and arrival of Monsoon. This has been covered in an article on this website in past.
Rivers originating from Tibet support around 1.8 billion people in South and South East Asia. Many major river systems have either the main rivers or important tributaries originating in Tibet. Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Mekong, Irrawaddy, Salween are the backbone of economies of the region they flow in.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has been a vocal advocate of climate change urged the people; particularly those belonging to Himalayan region to play a more active role to protect the environment. Speaking further he said, “Himalayan mountains and beyond are the source of all major rivers on which I think over billion human lives depend on these rivers. So as a member of the Himalayan club, you must tell the locals to take care of the environment and encourage planting more trees”
The Dalai Lama spoke at length about his concerns for the fragile ecology of Tibet and Himalayan region in particular. He also urged people to overcome manipulations of religion and said that all religions have the similar strengths to foster welfare of people.