UoL, Tribal Research Institute hold clean-up drive at Damsna, remove plastic waste from Riverbank

KARGIL: Students and faculty members of the University of Ladakh’s Kargil Campus undertook a riverbank clean-up and water-body remediation drive at Damsna, focusing on plastic and other non-biodegradable waste in the recreational area under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026.

The initiative was organised by the Tribal Research Institute in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Science, Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh, as part of the campaign themed “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”

Damsna, a high-footfall recreational and picnic destination, was selected for the intervention amid concerns over litter accumulation along the riverbank and adjoining catchment area.

Students and faculty from the Departments of Environmental Science and Physical Education carried out manual segregation and removal of plastic debris, packaging wrappers, PET bottles and other solid waste from the riparian zone.

The organisers said the exercise sought to address sources of waste entering the water body and reduce the potential impact of non-biodegradable litter on the riverine ecosystem and downstream aquatic habitats.

The field activity was supervised by Dr Mohd Baqir and Dr Sonam Angmo of the Department of Environmental Science, along with Dr Janardhan Roy of the Department of Physical Education, who oversaw waste-collection procedures and volunteer coordination.

Beyond the clean-up operation, the programme was designed as a practical environmental learning exercise. Student volunteers were introduced to methods of waste management and environmental conservation, with emphasis on watershed protection and responsible resource use in Ladakh’s high-altitude ecosystem.

The organisers also sought to encourage students to act as environmental ambassadors by promoting responsible waste disposal, source segregation and community participation in environmental protection.

The initiative comes amid growing attention to waste management in recreational areas, where increased visitor footfall can place additional pressure on fragile mountain ecosystems.

The programme concluded with a commitment to continue periodic, community-based environmental interventions in the region. The organisers said such activities would complement broader efforts towards ecological resilience and sustainable development in Ladakh while supporting the objectives of the Swachh Bharat campaign.