Roof renovation project for the house of Ms Dolma Tsering-la

In recent years, the consequences of climate change have been clearly and tragically felt in the Himalayan region.During the monsoon season, exceptionally heavy rains now reach as far as Ladakh, causing significant material damage and, sadly, loss of life.

The traditional roof structure is flat and is used to store hay for livestock, dry apricots and, amongst other things, to keep warm on sunny days during the winter months. Trunks and branches of willow trees, which rest on mud-brick walls, support this flat earthen surface.

This type of roof is not suited to heavy, repeated rainfall; it absorbs water and does not have time to dry out. It becomes fragile and dangerous, and the house is at high risk of collapse.

The locals are slowly responding by ‘updating’ their homes, erecting metal frames covered with large, slightly sloping sheets of zinc or plastic.

This solution has a second advantage: rainwater can be collected via fixed vertical pipes and used for daily household tasks.

This option is taken very seriously, as even in 2026, running water remains a luxury in Ladakh.

In many places, a water truck service delivers drinking water twice a week, and everyone must be served.

In the villages, streams used to be plentiful and of high purity, but today, paradoxically, ‘surface’ water is dwindling drastically, leaving entire villages in despair.

The Tibetan refugee camps were once settled on the arid plateaus, far from rivers or streams, and in such conditions, every drop counts.

The little woman's house and the shelter for her petite cow, Marpo (Red in

English), have also been damaged.Renovating the building is almost a mission impossible for an elderly refugee living alone, such as Mrs Dolma Tsering, who is now almost 90 years old.

With the help of Mr Rinchen Ngodup, we were introduced to a local entrepreneur and former TCV student, Mr Konchok Lobzang.

Mr Konchok came round to evaluate the damage and issued us with a quote.

We would like to thank them for their invaluable cooperation.

How can you help us?

You can send your donation to the Drolma Association or directly to the TCV, or make a bank transfer directly to the following bank accounts:

Bank details of the Drolma charity:                                   

LE CRÉDIT LYONNAIS                                                  

IBAN : FR65 3000 2017 4600 0007 9280 D66           

SWIFT : CRLYFRPP                                               

Bd de Docteur Junqua 40130 Capbreton – France

Bank details of the TCV :

Bank : STATE BANK OF INDIA

Account number : 39951893163

Code bank: 00691

IFSC: SBIN0000691

SWIFT: SBININBB104

FCRA Cell, 4th Floor, State Bank of India, 11 Sansad Marg, NEW DELHI – 110001 INDIA

Please specify in the subject line:  “Ms Dolma Tsering's roof renovation project”

Reminder: French taxpayers who donate to the DROLMA charity are entitled to a tax receipt allowing them to benefit from an income tax reduction of 66% of the amount donated, up to a limit of 20% of taxable income for individuals and 60% up to a limit of 0.5% of turnover for businesses.

For further information, please contact:

-          Drolma charity :                                        associationdrolmatibet@gmail.com

-          TCV Sponsoring office                             rinchen@tcv.org.in

-          To the attention of Mr Rinchen Ngodup

 It is important to note that the exchange rate on the 11 June 2026 is as follows:

1€=   110, 42 Rupees         Total:       706, 40 €   

1$=     95, 75 Rupees         Total:       814, 62 $

1£=   127, 92 Rupees         Total:       609, 75 £

Through your generosity and contributions, we can provide the essential hygiene and some comfort, and we can soften the final years of those who have endured so many trials.

With our gratitude