We were back in Leh after the arduous 5 day of trekking. People were desperate to connect to Wifi (though I wanted to remain disconnected for little longer), especially who were flying back in next two days wanted to ensure their flight status. But all that anxiety ended when we learnt there was no power in Leh since last two days. The only dam supplying power to the city had some problem. I wondered how different and tough life is here in Ladakh. A single source dependency for all the electricity needs for the city. And also it made clear the scope of introducing alternatie energy source, like we did in Shingo. Our hotel did't had water, coz there was no power to run the water pump. The hotel did had a power generator backup that helped us, but I wondered about the common people here.
We strolled in market to search for café to get Wifi (mostly said Free Wifi, but it hardly worked anywhere). Me and Ashish went around to buy souvenirs and other stuff. This person with a very polite accent was a local kashmiri. He told us he was a DJ in Goa before turning back to his homeland and lead a simpler life. He had some really good shawls to sell, especially the famous Pashmina. I was struck by the high prices for it, but all worth considering it's light weight, quality and design.
We found later a local Tibetan market and bought a lot of local souvenirs. Back to hotel we had some fun alongside some beer, before all the lights were turned off due to backup generator turned off.
Next day evening was again another round of shopping. I realized my souvenirs were not enough considering the number of people who supported my cause. That evening we also hung around at the famous Gezmo cafe where I munched the best peanut cookies of my life, dipped in coffee.. yum!!
At dinner Paras revealed the next steps for GHE, how they are looking at electrifying 8 more villages in next two months, the solar electric bike that will be tested in Ladakh and plans to even go to Nepal in next versions. It all sounded very promising for the sustainability message that we want to give to this world and I felt proud and committed to contribute where ever possible for this amazing cause.
R round of beer and Ming, Mang, Mong.. that night we hardly slept. 6am on the final day we left for Airport saying adieu to all the fantastic people I met.The city with no power had its challenges, very obvious when we entered the airport. The security clearance took infinite time, mainly because of down system. A clear opportunity to create a sustainable solar supply for the airport which I will convey to Paras if it can be pursued.
No comments:
Post a Comment