Kargil: Government Model Degree College Zanskar organized a week-long biological tour for the science students of 5th Semester and 3rd Semester to Suru Valley, Drass Valley, Aryan Valley, Chiktan, Shargol & Kargil block.
In the tour, 15 students along with Stanzin Dadul Assistant Professor Botany, Dr Akbar Khan Assistant Zoology, Stanzin Duktak Laboratory Assistant accompanied with the tour.
The tour was set off from Padum towards Kargil on July 02 and on they stopped at various important locations like Penzila, Shafat Nala, Parkachik, Panikhar and Sankoo to study the various plant and animal species.
Stanzin Dadul along with students identified many wild and medicinal plants at different locations and explained the importance and medicinal value of these plants and the need to preserve them.
He also stressed that the extensive development and widening of NH 301 has adversely affected these important plants. Dr Akbar Khan explained various faunas along the route like marmot, bear, wolf, snow leopard, bharal, alpine ibex, wild sheep, goats and the lammergeyer and different species of butterflies, birds etc.
He explained their habitats and relevance to maintain the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh. Executive Councillor Tourism and Zanskar Affairs, LAHDC, Kargil Er Punchok Tashi facilitated night stay at scenic Tourist Dak Bungalow Sankoo.
Similarly, on the second day (on July 03), the tour set off from Sanku Tourist Dak Bungalow towards Drass region to study various plant and animal species. The area of focus in the region was Mushku valley.
Due to heavy snowfall during winter and warm temperature during summer, the region is suitable for various plants, in turn, supporting many other wildlife, particularly brown bear. Stanzin Dadul along with students identified many wild plants and medicinal plants at different locations.
Unlike NH 301, between Padum and Kargil, which has extensive developmental works going on, Mushkoh valley is peaceful as it is not located on highway.
Because of the sensitive nature of the valley in terms of military defense (LOC nearby) the whole valley is not accessible to civilians making the study limited.
Dr Akbar Khan explained various faunas in the valley and explained how even small insects play important role in building and maintaining the ecosystem.
He particularly stressed on the role played by brown bear in the region, the beautiful animal play such an important role that it can be categorized in the keystone species of the region.
He also explained to students that these animals and insects recycle the dead plant and animal increasing the biodiversity of the region and Ladakh as a whole.
Students also visited Kargil War Memorial where the army personnel oriented them about the war and the museum. Students interacted with staff of GDC Zanskar and exchanged their views on various topics. EC Tashi facilitated night stay at Tourist Dak Bungalow Drass.
