National Wildlife Week Concludes with Mega Celebration in Kargil

KARGIL: National Wildlife Week–2025 concluded today with a grand celebration at Auditorium Hall Kargil, centered around the theme “Human–Animal Co-existence.”

The week-long program was organized by the Wildlife Department Kargil in collaboration with the Education Department Kargil, with support from Team Roqs. During the week, various awareness activities and workshops were held across different educational institutions, focusing on wildlife conservation, pelt-making, toy crafting, and other creative engagements for students.

Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon was the Chief Guest, Executive Councillor Er. Punchok Tashi was the Guest of Honour, and Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar attended as the Special Guest. Other dignitaries present included ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, CEO Kargil, Wildlife Warden Raza Ali Abide, district officers, teachers, and students.

On this occasion, the dignitaries visited exhibition stalls set up by the Wildlife Department and students from various schools, showcasing the creative outcomes of the week-long workshops.

Speaking on the occasion, CEC Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon appreciated the efforts of the Wildlife Department for involving students in conservation activities, terming them as future ambassadors for wildlife protection. He further emphasized promoting wildlife scholars, photographers, and filmmakers to encourage wildlife tourism in the district, mentioning the contributions of personalities like Maqbool Muqadasi. Dr. Akhoon also informed that the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Kargil is under development and work is in progress. He also said that they are working on increasing the compensation for loss of livestock due to Wildlife attack which will help in reducing the impact of human Wildlife conflict.

The event featured a colourful cultural programme and a short drama presented by students, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation. A documentary on the biodiversity of Kargil was also screened by the Wildlife Department.

Later, the Chief Guest distributed prizes among schools and mementos to participating institutions, resource persons, and other contributors.