Kargil, October 08: The week-long celebration of Wildlife Week 2025 concluded today with a vibrant valedictory event held at Syed Mehdi Auditorium Hall, Kargil. The programme was organised by the Department of Wildlife Protection Division, Kargil, in collaboration with the Department of Education, Kargil and ROQS Team (helping hand).
Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Executive Councillor (Wildlife), Er. Phunsok Tashi, Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, ADC Kargil Imteaaz Kacho, Chief Education Officer Kargil Sonam Wangchuk, and Wildlife Warden, Kargil, Raza Abidi, were among the dignitaries who addressed the gathering. Officials from various departments, teachers, students, and representatives of civil society also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jaffer Akhoon highlighted the importance of conserving Ladakh’s unique wildlife and biodiversity, emphasizing the need for greater awareness among the younger generation. He lauded the efforts of the Wildlife Department and the Education Department for jointly organising awareness activities across schools during the week. He emphasized that naturalists and wildlife protectors should be supported with necessary equipment besides compensation policy related to loss of lifestock due to animal conflict should be revived.
Executive Councillor Er. Phunsok Tashi appreciated the students for their active participation and called for more community-driven initiatives to safeguard wildlife habitats in the region.
He added Ladakhis are very sensitive towards the protection of wildlife and the efforts of naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts is bringing results by the decreasing number of poaching incidents.
Deputy Commissioner, Rakesh Kumar underlined the importance of responsible coexistence between humans and wildlife, stressing the role of local communities in protecting fragile ecosystems. He added wetland preservation and wildlife habitat will be priority of the administration in coming times.
Wildlife Warden, Raza Abidi briefed the audience on various awareness programmes, competitions, and outreach campaigns held throughout the week, which aimed to educate students about the ecological significance of Ladakh’s flora and fauna. He added wildlife is indicator of healthy ecosystem and any disruption will harm the balance of our ecosystem.
The concluding event also featured colourful cultural performances and skits presented by students from different schools, highlighting themes of wildlife conservation and environmental protection. The performances received wide appreciation from the audience.
Later, the dignitaries felicitated the participating students, organisers, and contributors for their enthusiastic involvement in making the event a success.
The programme concluded with a pledge by all participants to continue spreading awareness and working collectively towards the protection of wildlife and natural heritage in Ladakh.
The National Wildlife Week 2025 was observed from October 2 to 8 with a series of events organized at Stakpa, Kaksar, Silmo, the Wildlife Office, Bal Ashram Baroo, Suru Valley Public Higher Secondary School, Government High School Bhimbat, and Government Degree College Drass, concluding at the Auditorium Hall, Kargil. The events aimed to sensitize the public about human-animal coexistence and promote responsible behavior to prevent harm to animals and their natural habitats.
