The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Union Territory of Ladakh is undergoing significant socio-economic transformation due to infrastructure development, tourism, and strategic integration. However, the region maintains a balance between modernization and traditional ecological adaptation.Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The lifestyle of the people in Ladakh is changing due to the influx of tourism, improved communication networks, and the availability of modern amenities. Economic activities are shifting from purely subsistence agriculture and pastoralism to service-oriented sectors.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Leh is not inaccessible by road during all seasons. It is connected by the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH 1D) and the Manali-Leh Highway, which are operational during the summer months (typically May/June to October/November). While road access is restricted in winter due to heavy snowfall at high passes (like Zoji La and Rohtang La), it is fully accessible by road for a significant part of the year.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The statement that people have stopped using traditional resources completely is factually wrong. The inhabitants continue to rely on traditional ecological knowledge, such as water management systems (zings), traditional agriculture (barley cultivation), and livestock rearing (pashmina goats), alongside modern resources. They maintain a harmonious relationship with nature, utilizing scarce resources with care.
Key Takeaway: Modernization in Ladakh has improved connectivity and altered lifestyles, but it has not rendered the region permanently inaccessible nor has it led to the total abandonment of traditional resource management practices.