The transition of government schools in Ladakh from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) marks a significant step toward educational standardization. However, the exclusion of Environmental Science (EVS) from the CBSE curriculum raises serious concerns about the future of environmental literacy in the region. This decision impacts not only students and educators but also the broader efforts toward sustainability and environmental conservation.
Environmental education plays a critical role in shaping environmentally conscious citizens. Introducing students to environmental issues from an early age fosters a sense of responsibility toward nature. With climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss becoming pressing global issues, EVS provides essential knowledge on ecological systems, sustainable practices, and conservation strategies. For a region as ecologically sensitive as Ladakh, where environmental awareness is a necessity rather than a choice, the absence of a dedicated EVS curriculum could have long-term consequences.
Ladakh is one of the most fragile ecological zones in the world, experiencing direct and disproportionate effects of climate change. The local population, historically dependent on sustainable living practices, faces mounting challenges due to rising temperatures, glacier melting, and changing weather patterns. Without formal education on environmental issues, future generations may lack the knowledge and skills needed to address these concerns, leading to further ecological degradation.
Key environmental topics such as waste management, renewable energy, and climate change are not abstract concepts in Ladakh; they are tangible challenges that the region must navigate for survival. The exclusion of EVS from the curriculum deprives students of critical literacy in these areas. While subjects like biology and geography touch upon environmental topics, they do not offer the comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that EVS provides. A dedicated EVS curriculum bridges multiple disciplines, fostering problem-solving skills, ecological empathy, and civic responsibility—qualities essential for a sustainable future.
The exclusion of EVS from CBSE is particularly concerning given the national and global emphasis on sustainability. India has committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many of which emphasize environmental education. Initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and the vision for a carbon-neutral Ladakh require an environmentally aware populace. Without structured environmental education at the school level, achieving these goals becomes increasingly difficult.
Moreover, the omission of EVS in the curriculum affects career prospects for students interested in environmental sciences and related fields. It also creates professional uncertainty for in-service EVS lecturers, who are now expected to teach unrelated subjects outside their expertise. This shift not only undermines the credibility of environmental education but also discourages aspiring environmental professionals from pursuing the field.
Despite multiple appeals by educators and environmentalists, the authorities have shown little interest in reinstating EVS in CBSE schools. Educators have taken this issue to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, district councils, and other stakeholders, yet no concrete action has been taken.
The urgent need for environmental education cannot be overstated. Protecting Ladakh’s unique ecosystem and ensuring a sustainable future for its people starts with informed, environmentally conscious citizens. Reintroducing EVS into the school curriculum is not just an academic requirement—it is a necessity for survival. Authorities must recognize the gravity of this issue and take immediate steps to integrate environmental science into the CBSE curriculum for Ladakh.
Education must align with environmental realities, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to safeguard their natural heritage. By neglecting environmental education, we risk creating a generation unprepared to face the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and ecological imbalance. The time to act is now—before it is too late.
