Drass: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Monday paid heartfelt homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation at the iconic Kargil War Memorial, even as he launched a major environmental initiative aimed at transforming Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.
During his visit to the memorial in Drass, the Lieutenant Governor laid a wreath and offered floral tributes to the martyrs, followed by a moment of solemn silence in their honour. The visit reflected deep reverence and gratitude towards the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, whose courage during the Kargil War continues to inspire the nation.
He also visited the ‘Hut of Remembrance’ within the memorial premises, where preserved letters, photographs and personal accounts of soldiers who laid down their lives during the conflict are displayed. The visit offered a poignant insight into the lives and sacrifices of the fallen heroes.
Expressing his sentiments, the Lieutenant Governor described the memorial as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, courage and patriotism. “A visit to the Kargil War Memorial is a journey of reverence, remembrance and gratitude to the brave hearts of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives to protect the dignity and freedom of our motherland. The memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers and their families. I bow to our Kargil martyrs and salute their supreme sacrifice,” he said.
Reiterating that the nation will always remain indebted to its soldiers, he emphasised the importance of remembering and honouring their sacrifices, which continue to inspire generations and strengthen the spirit of national unity.
Earlier in the day, the Lieutenant Governor launched the “Ladakh Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert Urban Forestry and Food Forest Initiative” at Khandiyal in Drass, marking a significant step towards enhancing green cover, environmental sustainability and food security in the region.
Addressing a gathering of public representatives, officials and local residents, Vinai Kumar Saxena highlighted the unique ecological challenges faced by Ladakh as a cold desert with less than one per cent green cover. Stressing the need for collective action, he urged citizens to treat tree plantation as a shared responsibility, remarking that nurturing a tree should be akin to raising a child.
he plantation site, spread over approximately one hectare, includes species such as willow, apricot, poplar and robinia. The Lieutenant Governor described the initiative as a forward-looking approach to sustainable development, integrating ecological balance, community participation and climate resilience.
He noted that the project would act as a “green lung” for the region by promoting carbon neutrality, improving soil health, conserving water resources and strengthening local food security. Terming the Khandiyal project a pilot model, he expressed hope that it would be replicated across various parts of Ladakh to expand green cover in a sustainable manner.
Appreciating the collaborative efforts of the Forest Department, district administration, LAHDC Kargil and local communities, he reiterated the Administration’s commitment to addressing key environmental and developmental challenges, including water scarcity, through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Calling upon all stakeholders, especially the youth, to actively participate in such initiatives, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of collective responsibility in transforming Ladakh into a greener, more resilient and environmentally sustainable region.
