A three day training program for taxi drivers of the Leh region began yesterday. Aimed at responsible travel, this training started on the 28th and will conclude on the 30th of April.
This three day training has been organised by the Regional Transport Office, Ladakh in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Royal Enfield, the Snow Leopard Conservancy – India Trust and the All Ladakh Taxi Operators Union. The CEC of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson presided over the inaugural event in the presence of RTO Ladakh, ACD Rural Development Department, ARTO and officials of SLC-IT & Royal Enfield. The President, Taxi Union and Tempo Traveler Union of Leh also attended the function.
Tashi Gyalson mentioned that the local taxi drivers are ambassador to the tourists and for advocating good practices such as reduction of waste generation and proper disposal of waste. He added that the government is aiming toward making Ladakh a ‘zero-waste’ region and the commercial drivers have a huge role to play. Collections from individual drivers at Project Tsangda centers are to be recorded so that the administration can reward them. Plans are on to set up a Deposit Return System (DRS) for the management of solid waste in the district.
About 3000 Taxi drivers are being trained in the concept of waste management, principles of responsible travel and the need for conserving the flora and fauna. They are also being informed of the ill effects of indiscriminate feeding of wild animals, especially along the Leh – Pangong Lake route. They will also be trained to tackle Acute Mountain Sickness and in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and various other skills that may come handy while travelling in the mountain terrains with clients.The participants were provided with kits containing a cap, water bottle, head-rest cover and a garbage bag to manage the waste generated during travel.
