Project HIMALAYA launches in Leh to boost sustainable livelihoods 

Leh, Mar 18: The Project HIMALAYA (High-altitude Income Maximization and Adaptive Livelihoods Advancement for Youth and Adults) started with a consultancy event at Hotel the Abduz in Leh, marking a momentous occasion in the pursuit of sustainable development in the Ladakh region.
Project HIMALAYA, supported by HDFC Bank Parivartan and implemented by Phia Foundation aims to revolutionize opportunities for youth in Ladakh by maximizing income and advancing adaptive livelihoods, particularly in the vegetable and milk sectors. The project seeks to establish robust value chains to bolster economic opportunities and uplift the local community.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan IRS, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Labour, Tourism, Culture, and Employment Union Territory of Ladakh, along with Dr. Iqbal, Director, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry UT Ladakh, Rakesh Joshi, Circle Head, HDFC Bank, Owais Rehman, Cluster Head, HDFC Bank, and Johnson Topno, Director Programmes, Phia Foundation. Also in attendance were representatives from civil society organizations, community leaders, and the media.In his address, Chief Guest Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan highlighted the significance of Project HIMALAYA as a crucial intervention for the people of Leh Ladakh. He pledged full support from the UT Administration to ensure tangible improvements in the lives of the underprivileged. Moreover, he advocated for extending the project’s reach to encompass regions like Zanskar, Drass, and Nubra, addressing prevalent poverty and limited access to government schemes.
Dr.Mohd Iqbal, Director of Animal Husbandry and Sheep, UT Ladakh, emphasized the potential of dairy production in Ladakh. He stressed the need for strategic interventions to strengthen milk production to meet increasing demands, noting Ladakh’s prominent position in India’s dairy landscape. Dr. Iqbal assured collaboration with Phia Foundation to enhance the milk value chain.
Rakesh Joshi, Circle Head of HDFC Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to social causes and sustainable development. He highlighted HDFC Bank’s significant investment in community empowerment initiatives and expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Phia Foundation to create green livelihoods in the region.
Johnson Topno, Director of Programmes at Phia Foundation, underscored the significance of the collaboration with HDFC Parivartan. He emphasized the project’s role in driving social transformation and fostering partnerships with governmental bodies to promote sustainable development.