DRASS : Government Degree College (GDC) Drass on Thursday unveiled the Conceptual Master Plan for a proposed High Altitude Biodiversity Conservation and Research Park, an initiative aimed at preserving the fragile biodiversity of the Trans-Himalayan cold desert ecosystem while promoting research and environmental education.
The master plan was formally unveiled by Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Haji Mohamad Hanifa Jan, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Drass Imteeaz Kacho, SDM Drass Vishal Atri, Councillor Bhimbhat Abdul Wahid, Commanding Officer 16 Grenadiers Col Vikas Dixit and representatives from various government departments, religious institutions and civil society organisations.
Project Coordinator Dr Javed Naqi briefed the gathering about the objectives and long-term vision of the proposed facility, describing it as a platform for biodiversity conservation, ecological research and public participation in environmental stewardship.
Following the unveiling ceremony, dignitaries, students, local residents, Army personnel and officials participated in a plantation drive at the proposed site where nearly 1,000 saplings of native and ecologically important species were planted.
The proposed park has been conceived as a multidisciplinary centre integrating conservation, research, education and citizen science. It is expected to serve as a living repository of the region’s natural heritage while encouraging scientific documentation and sustainable environmental practices.
According to the conceptual plan, the park will feature a Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, Biological Museum, Native Alpine and Cold Desert Plant Arboretum, High Altitude Medicinal Plant Garden, Wildlife Trail, Research Station, Zoological Museum, Indigenous Knowledge Gallery, Climate Monitoring Station, Citizen Science Centres and outdoor learning facilities.
Speakers at the event stressed the need for sustained efforts to safeguard Ladakh’s sensitive mountain ecosystems and promote environmental awareness among younger generations.
The project is being developed in collaboration with the District Administration Drass, the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, the Department of Wildlife Protection and other partner institutions.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Sajad Hussain, who acknowledged the contributions of participating organisations, community members and supporters associated with the initiative.
