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One of the surprises in Ladakh was the sight of workers at road building projects all the way from the states of Bihar and Jharkhand in the northern plains of India. Workers from these two states are known to be migratory in nature, going across to all parts of the country in search of employment. But coming to the cold, high altitude desert region is another thing. All across the Indian Himalayas, it is common to see road construction activity going on; these include new roads, repair and expansion of existing ones and building of tunnels. Often contracted to private companies, they tend to get the cheapest labour to work for them to keep costs down. Hence the reliance on these migratory workers. One must give credit to these workers. Coming from the plains, where the climate is mostly hot, to put in hard labour in these oxygen deprived altitudes takes some bravado. It also speaks of their enterprising spirit. Of course, helping their cause in the fact that contractors also find it hard to get locals to work for them. A low population region, there are not many who are inclined to pursue such professions as better opportunities are available to them. When groups of them waved to me to stop asking for food and water. I came across them all the way from Sarchu to the More (pronounced mo-ray) plains on the way to Leh; they had apparently run out of the same for the day. In the middle of nowhere with not even a blade of grass for miles, the scorching sun does not help their cause either. I shared whatever extra I had with four such groups, but felt bad when I could not help more. This did lead me to think about their working conditions, with no kind thoughts going for their employers. It was only later in Leh that I was told that proper arrangements for the workers are made; the workers are clearly advised which streams and springs to stock up on water for the day, and contractors ensure food is delivered to the construction sites. But many of these workers know they can rely on the kindness of travellers and save the effort of filling up on the water. Of course, this is unconfirmed as I could not get to cross-check with the workers or the contractors later. Ajay Jain |
