Parliament Question: Impact of Climate Changes on Changpa Tribal Community in Ladakh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2049 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 30/07/2026 IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGES ON CHANGPA TRIBAL COMMUNITY IN LADAKH

2049. SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has assessed the impact of climate change, shrinking grazing pastures, changing snowfall patterns and declining livestock productivity on the livelihood and traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Changpa tribal community in Ladakh and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of welfare and livelihood schemes being implemented for Changpa families during the last five years;

(c) whether any special programme has been launched for pasture development, veterinary healthcare, mobile service delivery, education, housing and income enhancement of Changpa pastoralists and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of funds released under various schemes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the Changthang region during the last five years; and

(e) the measures being taken to strengthen the long-term socio-economic resilience and preserve the traditional culture and livelihood of the Changpa community? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has not undertaken any study to assess the impact of climate change, shrinking grazing pastures, changing snowfall patterns and declining livestock productivity on the livelihood and traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Changpa tribal community in Ladakh.(b): Changpa families, being members of a Scheduled Tribe, are eligible beneficiaries under the welfare and livelihood schemes implemented by this Ministry and other line Ministries/Departments during the last five years, including:

(i) Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN);

(ii) Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA);

(iii) Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS);

(iv) Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and National Overseas Scholarships for Scheduled Tribe students;

(v) Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM);

(c): Yes. Under the umbrella of DAJGUA, targeted interventions have been taken up for remote tribal habitations including Mobile Medical Units; mobile network delivery; residential hostel facilities; pucca housing under PM-AWAS (Gramin) etc. Additionally, livelihood and income-enhancement support for Pashmina wool production, marketing linkages and value addition is being undertaken through TRIFED.

(d): Under PMJVM scheme, TRIFED has released an amount of ₹15 lakhs for establishment of the VDVK, Durbuk. The details of funds sanctioned and released for EMRSs to the UT of Ladakh in last 5 years is as follows:

Financial Year Rs. in lakhs 2021-22 10.00 2022-23 450.00 2023-24 800.00 2024-25 17.41 2025-26 400.00

(e): To strengthen long-term socio-economic resilience and preserve the traditional culture and livelihood of the Changpa community, the following measures, among others, are being

taken:

Saturation of basic infrastructure and services in Changthang habitations under PM-  JANMAN/DAJGUA;

During the last five years, TRIFED has procured Pashmina products (Shawls and  Stoles) worth ₹18,847,291 from Ladakh-based artisans. Since the raw Pashmina usedin these products is sourced from the Changpa community, these procurements have indirectly contributed to the livelihood and economic well-being of the Changpa pastoralists.

Further, an empanelment camp is proposed to be organised in the Changthang region in  August’2026 with the objective of identifying and empanelling eligible artisans from the Changpa Tribal Community. This initiative is expected to facilitate their direct participation in marketing and procurement programmes, thereby strengthening their livelihood opportunities.

Documentation and promotion of Changpa culture, language and traditional knowledge  through tribal research institute. *****