Kargil, UT Ladakh: April 8, 2025, In a landmark step toward environmental protection and sustainable development, the One Lakh Mega Plantation Drive 2025 was officially launched today in Kargil by the Jamiat Ul Ulema Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK) under its flagship initiative Al Hima-laya Green Mission & Research Centre, in collaboration with the District Administration, UT Ladakh.
The plantation campaign was formally flagged off by Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi, President of JUIAK, from District Headquarters, Kargil. The ceremony was graced by Mr. John Gabharani, a noted social worker from Gulbarga, Karnataka, who attended as the Special Guest, alongside prominent scholars and members of the Ulama Council.
The first phase of the drive began with plantation activities at the Jaffaria Academy of Modern Education (Higher Wing), Kurbathang, where the dignitaries planted the initial saplings, symbolizing the commencement of the large-scale mission.
The drive will continue across various key locations in the district including, Educational Institutions: University of Ladakh Kargil Campus, Government Degree College Kargil, Kendriya Vidyalaya, and government schools, Government Departments: Mechanical Engineering Department, Wildlife Department, Health and Education Departments, and the District Hospital, Security Installations: BRO Headquarters (Project Vijayak), Army Headquarters, District Police Line Kargil, Public Lands and Roadsides: Selected locations throughout Kargil town and adjoining areas.
More than 500 volunteers from the Al Hima-laya Green Mission & Research Centre are actively supporting institutions and communities in planting and nurturing saplings.
Addressing the media, Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi said, “This is not just a campaign, it is the beginning of a long-term mission focused on environmental sustainability and climate resilience. With the visible effects of global warming and the loss of over 40,000 trees due to development activities like the Kargil-Zanskar Road construction, it became necessary to take corrective steps through community engagement and mass plantation.”
He expressed his gratitude to LG Ladakh, Brig Dr BD Mishra, Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Suse, and the entire district administration, including SP Kargil, the Army, BRO, and departments of Health and Education, for their strong support and active participation.
Special Guest John Gabharani drew parallels with successful plantation efforts in Karnataka, said, “In Gulbarga, mass tree plantation significantly helped mitigate the impact of rising temperatures. Kargil has vast stretches of open land, and this initiative can bring lasting environmental benefits if trees are planted and properly nurtured. I deeply appreciate this mission by JUIAK and hope it becomes a recurring movement.”
Ghulam Mohammad Khan, Chief Coordinator of the Al Hima-laya Green Mission & Research Centre, stated that this is a research-driven and sustained mission. “Our focus is not just plantation, but proper monitoring, data collection, and annual evaluation of plant survival. A dedicated research team will ensure the mission evolves each year with better planning and outcomes.”
This visionary initiative marks a vital step towards restoring ecological balance in the fragile Himalayan region. The One Lakh Mega Plantation Drive 2025 is expected to become a model for community-led climate action in Ladakh and beyond.
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