Department of Zoology, Organize 3-Day Study Tour to Drass and Aryan Valley.

Department of Zoology, Organize 3-Day Study Tour to Drass and Aryan Valley.
Leh, September 9, 2024: The Department of Zoology, Government Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh, organized a 3-day study tour to explore Drass and Aryan valley from 4th – 6th September, 2024. The tour was granted by Principal Dr. Sameena Iqbal and supervised by Dr. Mumtaz Ali (Zoology), Dr Niyaz Ali and Mrs. Tahira. 30 students from 3rd and 5th semesters participated.
The tour began on September 4, 2024, with a visit to GDC Kargil, where students interacted with each other and with the faculties. Dr Zakir Hussain of Zoology department (GDC Kargil) briefed them on the Zoology laboratory facilities.
In Drass, students observed various fauna, including the rare and critically endangered Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus), with assistance of wildlife enthusiasts Mr. Bahuddin and Mr. Saleem (RJ). The students were briefed about the key sites related to the Kargil War (1999), including Batra Point, Tiger Hill, Tololing, and Point 4875. They also visited Mushkoo Valley and Man Man Top viewpoint to explore the local faunas and gain insight into the region’s history and ecosystem. The students were also educated about the war’s history, traditional Sheena culture, Sheena song and traditional dresses. At the Kargil War Memorial, they received a briefing from an Army Jawan on the war situation and learned about the martyrs and equipment captured during the war.
On the second day, students visited Garkone village in the Aryan Valley, exploring ancient Aryan culture, traditional dresses and lifestyles. They interacted with locals and gained insight into the region’s unique ecosystem.
The tour was a success, providing students and faculty with a unique opportunity to explore new territories and discover new facts and places. The aim of the tour was to study the fauna diversity of the Drass and Aryan Valley mainly focusing on the sighting of Brown Bear.