Around 3 lakh tree saplings were planted during the 12th phase of the mass plantation drive organised by Go Green, Go Organic under the guidance of His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche at Brakdog Thang in Bodh Kharbu on June 20.

LG Mathur and His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche planted juniper saplings during the event. Saplings of poplar, willow, sea buckthorn, siya, juniper and fruits of different varieties were planted during the event.

Chetsang Rinpoche shared that the objective of the mass plantation drive is also to provide benefits for biodiversity, promote sustainable practices and social harmony and teach ways to live in harmony with nature. He hoped for a beautiful and Green Ladakh in the future.

LG Mathur called himself privileged for getting the opportunity to plant a juniper sapling as the plant stays green throughout the year and plays an important role in Buddhist culture. He shared the efforts made by the Administration to develop a sacred grove in each of the monasteries, starting with the plantation of 10 juniper saplings each in 30 monasteries in Ladakh. This effort, he said, would facilitate the growth of juniper trees and ensure their availability for various Buddhist rituals.

Congratulating His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche for receiving the Green Ambassador award during the 11th phase of the mass plantation drive held at Chushul on June 5 early this month, LG Mathur stated that the economy and future of humans are dependent on trees to negate the impacts of climate change. He appreciated Chestang Rinpoche for his vision of conducting the mass plantation drive that would also provide economic benefits to the people of Bodh Kharbu and Ladakh.

MP, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal expressed his gratitude to HH Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and appreciated the efforts of the villagers of Bodh Kharbu and adjacent areas in conducting the mass plantation drive. He shared the plans to develop the village and adjacent areas.

Around 170 artists from different parts of the country performed during the event.

Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Mohsin Ali; Environmentalist Radhika Anand Rinpoches, monks and nuns from different monasteries; elected representatives such as Chairpersons of Block Development Councils (BDCs), Sarpanch, Panch, Nambardar/Goba, government officials and villagers from Bodh Kharbu and adjacent areas were present during the event.