Diplomat Correspondent
Drass, DD, A cleanliness drive was organized today at Zero Point, Drass, led by the Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Department Kargil, Tehsil Office Drass, Rural Development Department Drass, Ladakh Pollution Control Committee, Soil Conservation Division Kargil, and the Drass Taxi Union.
The event began with a pledge by all participants to uphold environmental responsibility.
SDM Drass Mr. Vishal Atri and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Mr. Shakeel Ahmad addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of environmental cleanliness, plastic waste reduction, and the need for collective efforts to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.
Following the address, officials, volunteers, and local stakeholders conducted a thorough cleanup at Zero Point, collecting plastic and other non-biodegradable waste. The drive aimed to both clean the area and raise awareness among tourists and locals about the adverse effects of plastic pollution.
Subsequently, a second event was held at Zojila Eastern Port, Drass, where DFO Mr. Shakeel Ahmad and Wildlife Warden Mr. Raza Ali Abidi addressed the participants after a pledge ceremony. A parallel cleanliness drive was carried out at the site.
In addition, the Forest Department Kargil, in collaboration with the Soil Conservation Division and Army’s 56 Brigade, conducted a plantation drive at 56 Brigade campus. The initiative began with an oath led by DFO Mr. Shakeel Ahmad and focused on enhancing green cover in the region.
This multi-location initiative demonstrated strong inter-departmental coordination and community involvement, promoting sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and ecological restoration in Ladakh.DD