Nobra: In a significant celebration of Earth Day 2025, the Department of Botany and Environmental Science, Government Degree College Nobra, in collaboration with the Forest Department, Nubra, organized a comprehensive awareness and plantation program on 23rd April 2025 at the college campus.
The event witnessed the august presence of Shri Mukul Beniwal, IAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nubra, as the Chief Guest on the occasion, and was marked by a series of environmental awareness talks, ceremonial plantation, and the inauguration of the college’s Arboretum cum Eco-park.
The program commenced with a warm welcome and felicitation of the Chief Guest and dignitaries by the Principal, Dr. Tsewang Motup, who offered traditional khataks as a token of Ladakhi hospitality.
This was followed by the ceremonial watering of plants by the Chief Guest, symbolizing commitment to nurturing the Mother Earth.
In his welcome address, Dr. Tsewang Motup highlighted the importance of celebrating ‘Earth day’ in inspiring collective action for environmental sustainability, and commended the Forest Department for providing chain-link fencing and tree saplings for the development of arboretum and Eco-park.
Dr. Konchok Dorjey, Assistant Professor of Botany, delivered an emphatic speech emphasizing the evolution of Earth as a giant ecosystem, its current ecological threats, and the pivotal role of plants and trees in sustaining life.
He underlined that earth day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect the only biosphere.
Tsering Dadul, Range Officer, Forest Department Nubra, in his address, spoke on the vital role of forests in maintaining ecosystem balance, mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and ensuring water security in fragile landscapes like Ladakh.
Stanzin Gyalik, Range Officer, Forest Department Nyoma highlighted the green initiatives taken by Forest Department and stressed on the conservation of Earth by practically planting trees and plants.
The Chief Guest, Shri Mukul Beniwal IAS, SDM Nubra, in his address, lauded the efforts of GDC Nubra and the Forest Department in organizing the Earth Day celebration with such commitment and community engagement.
He emphasized the importance of spreading awareness at the grassroots level and called upon the youth to become eco-guardians for a greener future.
He also spoke on harnessing the renewable energy resources available in Ladakh, with emphasis on Nubra region, based on this year’s theme for the Earth Day ‘Our Power, Our Earth’.
The event also witnessed the inauguration of the Arboretum cum Eco-Park within the college campus by the Chief Guest, a major step toward creating a living repository of local and introduced plant species, and promoting biodiversity education among students and the community.
A ceremonial plantation drive was held immediately after the inauguration, where juniper and pine saplings were planted by the Chief Guest, Principal, faculty members, Forest Department officials, and student volunteers.
This was followed by a massive plantation drive featuring a wide range of ecologically significant tree species including Juniper, Pine, Russian Olive, Elm, Desert Poplar, White Poplar, Tamarix, Salt Cedar, Weeping Willow, Common Poplar and Willows.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Tsewang Lahmo, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Forest Department, college staff, and student participants for making the celebration meaningful and impactful.
