Wildlife Week Concludes in Kargil
KARGIL: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Dr Jaffer Akhoon has called for a dedicated snow leopard conservation programme in the district, along with timely compensation for people affected by wildlife attacks.
He made the remarks while attending the concluding programme of Wildlife Week at the Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall in Kargil on Friday. The event was held under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”.
Akhoon also stressed the need to protect biodiversity, including commonly seen birds such as sparrows and magpies, and urged the Forest Department to preserve old plants and develop parks through new plantations to expand green spaces across the district.
Recalling earlier times, he said the arrival of sparrows was traditionally associated with the onset of spring, but their numbers had declined over the years amid changing environmental conditions and globalisation. He emphasised that every species plays a role in maintaining ecological balance and called for collective efforts to conserve biodiversity.
Referring to the recent launch of a snow leopard conservation programme by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Akhoon suggested that a similar initiative be organised in Kargil to strengthen wildlife protection in the district. He also called for timely compensation for people whose livestock or livelihoods are affected by wildlife attacks.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kargil Nitin Yadav, IPS, attended as the guest of honour, while Additional Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Mohammad was the special guest. Divisional Forest Officer and Wildlife Warden Ankit Sinha, IFS, officials of the Forest and Wildlife Department, teachers and students also participated.
In his welcome address, Sinha highlighted Kargil’s biodiversity and the need for greater public participation in conservation. He said schools had organised awareness activities during Wildlife Week, including educational programmes and exposure visits for students. A wildlife awareness video was also screened.
Yadav highlighted the role of wildlife in maintaining ecological balance and called for efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict. He urged students to protect birds and animals and noted the potential of wildlife conservation and ecotourism.
Mohammad also stressed the need to protect the district’s diverse wildlife, linking conservation with environmental balance and tourism.
During the programme, dignitaries visited stalls showcasing wildlife-related projects and awareness material. Students presented conservation projects and cultural performances, while prizes were distributed among participants in various Wildlife Week activities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shahid Hussain.
