LEH: Highlighting the need for sustained awareness programs to protect Ladakh’s unique ecosystem, First Lady Neelam Mishra on Friday urged citizens to develop a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment, emphasising that individual actions collectively contribute to a sustainable future.
In her keynote address at an event to World Environment Day, First Lady Neelam Mishra stressed the importance of eliminating single-use plastics and promoting cleanliness initiatives at the grassroot level in villages, towns, and communities.
The event was held by the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment, in collaboration with the Department of Housing & Urban Development, observed World Environment Day with great enthusiasm at Eco Park, Leh.
The event was held under the global theme ‘Ending Plastic Pollution.’ First Lady Neelam Mishra graced the event as the Chief Guest.
She also lauded the efforts of the Forest Department initiative in environmental awareness campaigns and encouraged the youth to become proactive agents of change.
Given the region’s vulnerability to climate change, she highlighted the need for sustained awareness programs to protect Ladakh’s unique ecosystem.
Principal Secretary of Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sanjeev Khirwar emphasised the significance of World Environment Day and the urgent need for environmental conservation, especially in the ecologically fragile region of Ladakh.
He underscored the importance of raising awareness and inspiring action to combat climate change and protect natural resources.
Khirwar also highlighted this initiative taken in the department of Housing and Urban Development and Forest regarding environment concern.
As part of the celebrations, a skit competition was organised with the participation of students from Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Lamdon School, and Moravian Mission School.
The performances centred on the theme ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’ and delivered powerful messages advocating for reduced plastic use and environmental responsibility.
The students’ spirited performances captivated the audience and highlighted the creativity and commitment of the younger generation toward environmental causes.
The event concluded with a speech by Mandeep Mittal, Regional Director, LPCC, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, students, participants, and organisers for their enthusiastic involvement and commitment to the cause.
The skit competition winners were felicitated by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries with certificates and prizes awarded in recognition of their impactful contributions.
The celebration saw enthusiastic participation from Director Urban & Housing Development, Moses Kunzang, former Chief Conservator of Forests Jigmet Takpa, Chief Wildlife Warden Sajjad Mufti, LPCC Regional Director Mandeep Mittal, staff from HUDD headed by Director ULB students from various schools, forest officials, school staff, and local residents, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.
Environment friendly mementos like plant sapling were presented to all the stakeholder and participant. The dignitaries planted tree saplings to make the event.
