Kargil, November 17:
The Forest Division Kargil celebrated Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on Saturday with a series of awareness programmes held at Mulbekh, Sangra (Taisuru Block), and Abran (Zanskar), focusing on community participation in conservation.
The events highlighted the need for protecting and sustainably managing juniper forests, while emphasising the role of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). Detailed sessions were held at Sangra and Abran to familiarise BMC members, Numberdars, VLWs, and villagers with the structure, objectives, and statutory functions of BMCs under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Officials also briefed participants on ongoing forest initiatives, community-focused welfare schemes, and conservation activities across the division.
A special session on medicinal plants underscored their ecological importance, livelihood potential, and traditional uses. Participants also discussed the significance of the indigenous Amchi (Sowa-Rigpa) system, recognising its deep knowledge of local medicinal flora and the need to safeguard this heritage.
The programmes aimed to strengthen collaboration between local communities and the Forest Department for long-term biodiversity protection.
