Leh: Ladakh achieved yet another milestone as 1 lakh 50 thousand tree saplings were planted during a mega plantation drive organised in Chushul village yesterday. The plantation drive has been an initiative of the Go Green Go Organic committee under the guidance of His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche.
The mega event had full support of LAHDC Leh and the UT Administration, Ladakh this year. With this initiative and mass plantation drive Ladakh has set a nation-wide example in campaigning for the cause of environmental protection and preservation.
A grand event was organised for the concluding ceremony of the 11th phase of the mega plantation drive by the Go Green committee at the zero-border village Chushul in the Changthang-Lalok region yesterday.
The event was blessed with the presence of His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche. Lt. Governor of Ladakh, R.K Mathur was the chief guest whereas H.E Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, H.E Chosjey Togdan Rinpoche, the Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal were the guest of honor. Executive Councillors of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Ghulam Mehdi, Stanzin Chosphel; Principal Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal were the special guests. The event had the participation of Councillors of LAHDC Leh including Councillor Chushul, Konchok Stanzin & Nominated Councillor, Ven. Konchok Tsepel; President LBA, Thupstan Chhewang; President LGA, Ven Tenzin Wangdak, SP Leh, PD Nitya; District and Sub-divisional officers; Presidents of political parties including BJP and INC; Officers from Indian Army & ITBP, officials of Go Green Committee & Green Himalaya, and volunteers from across Ladakh led by the concerned Sarpanches and Nambardars.
During the occasion, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche was conferred with the title “Green Ambassador” of UT Ladakh and it was presented by the Principal Secy (on behalf of LG Ladakh), CEC LAHDC Leh, and MP Ladakh in the presence of all other dignitaries. The title is aimed at inspiring goodwill for improving the quality of life through organic farming practices & healthy environment in Ladakh.
In his address, His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche expressed his gratitude to all the participants and the supporters for making the making plantation drive successful. Rinpoche highlighted the vision of Go Green Go Organic towards living sustainably in harmony with nature and the mega plantation drive being a part of the vision. He further acknowledged the remarkable contributions of various individuals who have wholeheartedly contributed to planting a huge number of trees individually.
LG Ladakh, CEC LAHDC Leh, MP Ladakh and Principal Secy also addressed the gathering and expressed their gratitude to the entire organising committee under the guidance of His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche and the participants for successfully planting more than 1.5 Lakh tree saplings on the occasion of World Environment Day. They further informed that the UT Administration and the Hill Council are working collectively, especially for sustainably developing the Changthang region with special packages including the ‘Changthang Development Package’ for the welfare of the people of the Changthang region. They also stressed the recent developments that have taken place at a fast-track pace in the region in various sectors through innovative initiatives from the Administration and the Hill Council. They congratulated His Holiness for receiving the title of “Green Ambassador” of Ladakh and assured their assistance for all such initiatives in future.
H.E Thuksey Rinpoche and Chosjey Togdan Rinpoche also highlighted the importance of having a good and balanced eco-system in Ladakh. They appreciated the initiative taken by H.H Chetsang Rinpoche and thanked all the supporters and participants for making the mega plantation drive successful.
All the volunteers and supporters were felicitated through their representatives by the dignitaries. A vibrant cultural performance was showcased by the villagers and students of the Lalok region during the closing ceremony.
