Govt. Degree College, Drass Unveils Conceptual Master Plan for High Altitude Biodiversity Conservation and Research Park.

Govt. Degree College, Drass Unveils Conceptual Master Plan for High Altitude Biodiversity Conservation and Research Park.
Drass, June 04, 2026: Government Degree College (GDC) Drass unveiled the Conceptual Master Plan of the High Altitude Biodiversity Conservation and Research Park, a pioneering initiative aimed at conserving and promoting the unique biodiversity of the Trans-Himalayan cold desert ecosystem.
The Conceptual Master Plan was formally unveiled by Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Haji Mohamad Hanifa Jan, in the presence of Imteeaz Kacho (KAS), Deputy Commissioner, Drass; Abdul Wahid, Councillor Bhimbhat; Vishal Atri (JKAS), SDM Drass, Commanding Officer Vikas Dixit, 16 Grenadiers and representatives from various departments, religious institutions, and organizations. Dr. Javed Naqi, coordinator Biodiversity and Research Park, briefed about the project and highlighted its significance in coming years.
Following the unveiling, the dignitaries participated in a plantation drive at the proposed park site. The drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from army personnels 16 grenadiers drass, local residents, student and scholar association Drass, faculty, staff and students of GDC Drass, and other officials from various departments. Nearly 1000 plantlets of native and ecologically significant species were planted, reflecting a collective commitment towards biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in the Drass region.
The proposed park has been envisioned as a living laboratory for conservation, research, education, and citizen science. It aims to promote biodiversity conservation, ecological research, environmental education, documentation of indigenous ecological knowledge, and sustainable management of the region’s natural heritage.
The master plan incorporates a range of facilities, including a Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, Biological Museum, Native Alpine and Cold Desert Plant Arboretum, High Altitude Medicinal Plant Garden, Nursery and Propagation Unit, Biodiversity Research Station, Wildlife Trail, Indigenous Knowledge Gallery, Weather and Climate Monitoring Station, Citizen Science Monitoring Centres, Zoological Museum, Water Harvesting Pond, Research and Monitoring Plots, and Outdoor Learning Spaces.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries appreciated the college’s vision of integrating conservation, education, and community participation through an innovative institutional initiative. They emphasized the need to preserve Ladakh’s fragile high-altitude ecosystems and promote scientific research and environmental stewardship among students and local communities.
The initiative aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The project is being developed with the support and collaboration of the District Administration Drass, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Ladakh, and the Department of Wildlife Protection, Ladakh, along with other stakeholders and partners.
Describing the project as “A Living Laboratory for Conservation, Research, Education and Citizen Science in Drass,” the Principal reiterated the college’s commitment to fostering environmental awareness, scientific inquiry, and sustainable development in one of the world’s most ecologically significant mountain regions.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sajad Hussain, Assistant Professor Evs, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, partner institutions, contributors especially Contractor Zahoor Ahmed Khan, D’ Meadows Ladakh, Drass, Navrang Publications, Srinagar, M/S Idrees Hatam, Drass, community members including senior citizens, Student and Scholar Association, Drass and Media fraternity for their support in realizing this landmark initiative.