Leh, Oct 02: A contingent of 114 Indian Forest Service probationers from the 2024–26 training course is on a study visit to the Union Territory of Ladakh as part of their Thematic Tour-II, commonly referred to as the Hill Tour, organized by the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy. The initiative is designed to impart practical exposure to the probationers on critical aspects of forest, wildlife and environmental governance in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The visit is being coordinated by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh, with the objective of acquainting the young officers with the region’s distinctive ecological profile. The exposure encompasses the cold desert landscape, high-altitude vegetation, vital wildlife habitats, and institutional measures undertaken for climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation.
On October 1, the probationers held an interactive session with Rajesh S., Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, UT Ladakh, accompanied by senior departmental officials at Leh. The deliberations centered on strategies for high-altitude forest and wildlife management. Emphasis was placed on ecological restoration initiatives, integration of community participation, resolution of human–wildlife conflict, and long-term environmental sustainability in Ladakh’s challenging terrain.
The programme schedule further provides for field visits to selected project sites where the probationers will interact with frontline staff and review practical dimensions of forestry and wildlife administration. The exposure is expected to enrich their understanding of ecosystem management in a region that constitutes one of India’s most sensitive and strategically significant ecological zones.
