The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Mrs. Dolma Tsering Teykhang inaugurated the Tibet Museum’s temporary exhibition “Rivers of the Sky”.

Dharamshala: The Tibet Museum of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) launched its temporary exhibition titled “Rivers of the Sky” earlier today, with the gracious presence of Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang.

This exhibition, which underscores the critical importance of Asia’s lifeblood and the pressing challenges it faces, is specifically designed to draw the attention of the international community in the lead-up to COP29. It emphasises the growing vulnerability of these rivers in Tibet due to the combined impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and the mismanagement of water resources.

The exhibition also sheds light on the Tibetan Plateau—often called the “Third Pole” for its vast glaciers and snow-capped mountains—which is confronting unprecedented environmental pressures. These include the rapid melting of glaciers and the over-exploitation of water resources through large-scale damming and diversion projects. It serves as a stark warning: if the mismanagement of these rivers continues unchecked, the consequences could be catastrophic. Both the delicate ecosystems that rely on these waterways and the millions of people who depend on them for survival are at risk. The time for action is now, and the international community must address these pressing issues before it’s too late.

Tibetan environmentalist Padma Wangyal, who launched a tree plantation project at Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet in 2000 and has also served as Khoryug (environment) Coordinator for monasteries in Nepal, was featured during the exhibition’s opening ceremony. Padma shared his experiences of witnessing large-scale extraction of wood from the Tibetan region to profit the Chinese state-owned enterprises and private companies during the ceremony and recalled how he received support from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Germany’s Green Party in realising his initiative to conduct a tree plantation inside Tibet.  

Alongside Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the inaugural of this temporary exhibition was also attended by Auditor General Lhakpa Gyaltsen; Secretary Karma Choeying, Department of Information and International Relations; and Secretary Tenzin Legdup, Election and Public Service Commission; Additional Secretary Kunga Gyaltsen, Department of Religion and Culture; and Director of the Tibet Museum, Tenzin Topdhen.  

Mrs. Dolma Tsering Teykhnag interacting with reporters.

Mr. Tenzin Topdhen, Director, the Tibet Museum, delivering a speech on the on the event’s theme.

A group photo of the Tibet Museum’s staff with the Chief guest Mrs. Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Deputy Speaker, the Tibetan Parliament in exile, Mr. Karma Choeying, the Secretary of DIIR and the special guest Mr.Padma Wangyal.

Mr. Padma Wangyal presenting on the exploitation of Tibet’s fragile environment by Chinese Communist Party(CCP), showcasing rare images he captured during his visits to Tibet between 1987 and 2001.

Audience listening to the Mr.Padma Wangyal’s presentation.