Kargil: Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil launched a week-long Mission Indus Cleanliness Program on Monday with a strong message of environmental responsibility.
The event began with an address by Principal Disket Angmo, who outlined the program’s key activities: pledge-taking, technical sessions, hands-on biodegradable waste management, cleanliness drives, street plays (nukkad nataks), and a poster-slogan competition. A major highlight will be the cleaning of the Suru riverfront near Poyen.
Angmo stressed the importance of preserving the Suru River, a crucial tributary of the Indus, calling it Kargil’s lifeline. She urged students to lead by example in reusing resources and protecting natural water bodies for future generations.
Environmental pledge sessions followed, conducted in English by Abdul Hamid (Head, Environmental Science) and in Purgi by Nasir Ud Din (Assistant Professor, English). Students and faculty took the pledge in both languages.
A seminar session included a presentation by Nasreen Tabassum (Assistant Professor, Geography), who highlighted rising arsenic levels in rivers due to unchecked tourism, urbanization, and lack of proper sewage treatment. She called for urgent action to protect Ladakh’s rivers through sustainable practices.
Masooma, a 1st-semester student, also spoke about protecting the Indus and Suru Rivers, while 5th-semester student Tauheed conducted the session proceedings.
