Massive Plantation Drive Culminates at GDC Zanskar with Over 500 Saplings Planted.

Zanskar, May 26, 2025 – A large-scale plantation drive by Anjuman-e-Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil, under its green initiative Al Hima-Laya Green Mission and Research Centre, concluded at Government Degree College (GDC) Zanskar on Monday. The initiative saw the planting of over 500 saplings of indigenous tree species on the college campus.
The drive was graced by Executive Councillor for Tourism and Zanskar Affairs, LAHDC Kargil, Er. Phuntsok Tashi, who served as the chief guest.
Several dignitaries and community leaders attended the event, including Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili, General Secretary of Anjuman-e-Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil; Paksang Lawang, President of Zanskar Buddhist Association; Dr. Mehdi Akhone, Chief Scientist at KVK Zanskar; Range Officer Mohd Ilyas from the Forest Department; ZEPO Zanskar; school heads from the region; student volunteers; faculty members; and members of Al Hima-Laya Green Mission.
The formal programme began with a welcome with traditional khatak by Principal of GDC Zanskar, Mohd Ishaq. This was followed by the symbolic gifting of plant saplings to the guests by Range Officer Mohd Ilyas.
In his address, chief guest Phuntsok Tashi commended Anjuman-e-Jamiat-ul-Ulama for leading such an impactful environmental effort and lauded the organisation’s role in promoting social welfare, interfaith brotherhood, and communal harmony. He expressed hope that similar initiatives would be extended to other parts of Zanskar.
Liyaqat Hussain, Coordinator of Al Hima-Laya, delivered the welcome note and briefed the audience on the broader objectives of the “One Lakh Mega Plantation” campaign. He explained the phased rollout of the programme across Kargil district.
President of the Zanskar Buddhist Association, Paksang Lawang, also addressed the gathering, thanking the organisers for reaching a remote region like Zanskar and undertaking large-scale afforestation.
College Principal Mohd Ishaq expressed gratitude for choosing GDC Zanskar as a plantation site. Emphasising the urgency of ecological restoration amid rising pollution, he called tree planting “a need of the hour.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili, who acknowledged all stakeholders and volunteers for their support. He announced that the initiative had already surpassed its initial goal, with over 1.25 lakh saplings planted across the district—a significant milestone in the region’s environmental efforts.
The proceedings were conducted by Mohd Ali Khan, Librarian of GDC Zanskar.