Striving towards a sustainable environment, World Forest day was celebrated by Forest Division, Leh in collaboration with State Pollution Control Board, Leh on March 21 at Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh.

Avny Lavasa, DC Leh said, “We have always been aware of the sensitive and fragile ecology of Ladakh where sustaining life itself is a challenge but since centuries people of Ladakh have been carrying out this unique nature in the best way and maintained a very harmonious relationship with the natural resources be it rivers, flora and fauna. Today we are rich in biodiversity because of people’s respect toward the environment, so it is not about celebrating a day to preserve the ecology but to maintain this tradition as a lifestyle in daily life”.

She urged people to consciously bring change in their lifestyle and keep it as a part of our daily routine to conserve it because of Mother Nature the whole ecological system is formed. It is not only the responsibility of the concerned department to spread awareness about the importance of forest but it is the responsibility of all.

She requested DFO to involve the entire department for such drive because it is a part of the sustainable environment and life for which everyone should take part in it.

While briefing about the importance of Forest Day and its celebration, Mohd, Abbas, District Forest Officer, Leh said, “Our main motive of bringing all types of plants here is to make the younger generation aware about various plants. They can get interested in it and search for these plants in our region. It is not only important to plant it but to protect and grow it successfully.”

He informed that 99% forest comes under seabuckthorn in Ladakh. A decade ago some industrialist has started using it for the commercial purposes and the plant has been highlighted so tremendously by the industrialist that today it has become a threat to the species itself. We need to have a planning with the stakeholders to protect it from the verge of extinction.

Deldan Namgyal, Principal EJM college also spoke on the occasion while the students from Moravian Mission School, Leh, G.N National School and Eliezer Joldan Memorial College spoke about the importance of forest in our life.