Kargil, March 21, 2023: As part of a series of G-20 events, a two-day program on the World Forestry Day celebrations organized by Kargil Forest Division in collaboration with Government Degree College Drass concluded today at the GDC Drass. 

Executive Councilor Social Welfare, LAHDC, Kargil Agha Syed Mehdi Fazili attended the event as a chief guest, BDC Chairman Drass, Noor Muhammad, DFO Kargil, Muhammad Ali, Principal GDC Drass, Dr Amjad Ali Abassi, professors, staff members, students of the college and locals participated in the event. 

The 2nd day of celebration of World Forestry Day commenced with an environmental awareness rally from Tourist Dak Banglaw to GDC Drass in which different dignitaries, students and the public participated.

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The rally was aimed to aware people about the importance of forests in our lives and sensitizing them about how to protect forests and the environment.

The rally was followed by a symbolic plantation at the college campus by the Executive Councilor and other distinguished guests. As soon as the snow would melt from the ground in Drass, a mass plantation drive would be started at the college’s new campus. Later, presentations and speeches were delivered by the students and experts.

Speaking on the occasion EC Mehdi lauded the organizers for celebrating this important day and sensitizing people about the significance of forests in our life.

Mehdi emphasized that it is need of the hour to not only conduct such programs but also gain in-depth knowledge about the dependency of all the creatures on this planet is a must for today’s youth. 

He urged everyone to take responsibility of protecting our fragile environment and spread the message to the wider community.   

BDC Chairman Drass, Noor Muhammad also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the Kargil Forest Division and GDC Drass for conducting such an informative and beneficial program at remote places like Drass. He urged the audience to adopt a practical approach to protect the environment. 

DFO Kargil, Mohd Ali gave a presentation on forest areas in Ladakh. He talked at length about the different flora species found in Ladakh and their significance.

Earlier, the principal GDC Drass, Dr Amjad Ali Abassi in his welcome speech briefly introduced the audience about the significance of celebrating this crucial day and stressed them to act as ambassadors of the environment.

Assistant Professor Environmental Sciences, Dr Azram Tahoor gave a detailed presentation on Forest Policies in India in which she traced the implementations of Forest Policies in India from colonial times to present. 

Syed Mehmood Shah and Adina Afrooz of 2nd semester spoke about Carbon Neutral Ladakh and its significance.

Later on, a prize distribution ceremony was held, in which position-holding students of different categories like speech, drawing and slogan competitions were awarded and mementos were distributed to all the dignitaries and organizers.    

Mohd Ali Shabir, Assistant Professor, English moderated the session. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Imtiyaz Hussain, Assistant Professor, Botany.