Arsenic, plastic in Indus: Ladakh launches army-civilian cleaning drive

Alarmed by dangerously high arsenic levels in the Indus River, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) is launching a large-scale cleanup campaign. Recent tests revealed arsenic levels exceeding those in treated sewage. LAHDC Chairman Tashi Gyalson has directed the formation of flying squads to prevent garbage dumping and sewage discharge.