Kargil, May 15, 2025 – Chairman/ Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon attended the concluding ceremony of ‘One Lakh Mega Plantation Drive’ led by Al Hima-Laya Green Mission & Research Centre, Kargil.

In a landmark event held today in Drass, the Al Hima-Laya Green Mission & Research Centre, a flagship environmental initiative of Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK), celebrated the successful culmination of its ‘One Lakh Mega Plantation Drive’.

Traditional Khatak ceremonies marked the opening, followed by a welcome address by Principal of Government Degree College, Drass, Prof. Amjad Abassi. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed dignitaries and participants for gracing this monumental environmental movement.

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The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon in his address, lauded JUIAK for envisioning and executing this noble mission. “This initiative reflects the vision of our ulemas in promoting environmental responsibility within our society,” he remarked.

He referenced the recent petition in the High Court regarding ecological concerns at Zojila and praised Mr. Abdul Wahid for his activism. He urged the Forest Department to expand community and social forestry programs and raise awareness about government schemes that support green initiatives.

He particularly emphasized the need to protect indigenous flora like the juniper tree, which holds ecological and cultural significance in Ladakh. On completion of plantation of 1 lakh trees he stated, “Today is a celebration for the entire district, and I feel personally proud to be part of this movement”. He assured continued support from the LAHDC — financially, socially, and morally — for all such environmental initiatives.

Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon also congratulated the region on the upgradation of various High Schools to Higher Secondary status and Middle Schools to High Schools. He acknowledged the teaching staff and parents for their contributions to improved CBSE results. “LAHDC will always salute and support such initiatives,” he stated.

The CEC also expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Dr Saket Kushwaha for launching new courses in the university to provide more academic opportunities to students locally.

The Guest of Honour, Hon’ble EC, Er. Punchok Tashi congratulated Sheikh Nazir and his team, and lauded the contribution of religious organizations toward Kargil’s socio-economic development. “Such environmental efforts are both pious and praiseworthy,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse (IAS) acknowledged the dedication and hard work of countless individuals and institutions behind the scenes. “The district administration has supported this initiative from the ground up, and we will continue to extend financial and logistical support,” he affirmed.

SSP Kargil, Shree Ram R, praised the initiative’s environmental impact and commended JUIAK for spearheading such a commendable effort.

The Director of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, expressed his gratitude to all attendees, emphasizing that every citizen should feel proud to be part of Mission Al Hima-Laya. He elaborated on the scientific and economic importance of plantation drives and their role in sustainable development.

Councillors of the region, Mr. Abdul Samad and Mr. Abdul Wahid also extended warm congratulations to ISK and welcomed the guests.

Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi, President of JUIAK, in his keynote speech, proudly announced the successful plantation of over 1,00,000 saplings across Kargil district, calling it a “historic milestone in our journey toward a greener Ladakh.” He reflected on the campaign’s origins on April 8 and its extensive reach across multiple villages, concluding today in Drass.

He expressed sincere appreciation to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of Ladakh, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Kargil, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kargil, and the entire administration, particularly Government Degree College Drass, for their unwavering support.

“Our mission is to green every corner of Ladakh,” he stated, emphasizing that it is not only a social responsibility but also a spiritual duty. He invited all institutions to join hands in this shared vision.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kargil, Mr. Shakeel thanked the organizers and acknowledged the environmental sensitivity of Ladakh. He emphasized that this drive aligns with the Compensatory Afforestation Program of the Government of India and assured continued support from the Forest Department in future phases.

The distinguished guests included Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Hon’ble EC Punchok Tashi, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil Shrikant Suse, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kargil Shree Ram R., Councillors from Drass Constituency Abdul Samad and Abdul Wahid, Director, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Tahir Hussain Zubdawi, DFO Kargil, Mr. Shakeel, SDM Drass among many others.