Kargil, Oct 02: The Wildlife Protection Division in Kargil inaugurated Wildlife Week with a riverbank cleanliness drive along the Suru, underscoring conservation priorities in Ladakh’s fragile high-altitude ecosystem. Volunteers and officials collected plastic waste, discarded fishing gear, and debris threatening biodiversity, launching a series of initiatives dedicated to environmental stewardship.
The campaign forms part of India’s annual Wildlife Week, observed nationwide from October 2 to 8 since its institution in 1952 by the Indian Board for Wildlife. Designed to raise awareness on biodiversity protection amid growing pressures of climate change and human interference, the observance has gained heightened significance in ecologically sensitive zones such as Ladakh.
The Suru River, descending from the Pensi La glacier before merging with the Indus, sustains both agriculture and wildlife in Kargil. Pollution from unregulated tourism and careless waste disposal has intensified in recent years, endangering habitats of species such as the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and migratory birds that depend on the waterway. Division officials stressed the importance of community engagement, with local residents and students joining the effort while discussing curbs on single-use plastics.
Beyond the cleanup, authorities have scheduled workshops on poaching prevention, habitat restoration, and guided treks in protected landscapes including Hemis National Park. Conservationists warn that Ladakh’s cold desert ecosystem—home to rare mammals and more than 300 bird species—faces mounting risks from glacial retreat, habitat fragmentation, and developmental projects.
Officials expressed optimism that the campaign will strengthen grassroots participation in conservation. With Ladakh navigating challenges from border tensions and rapid infrastructural expansion, the drive highlighted the need for sustainable development that safeguards natural heritage. The event concluded with participants pledging to adopt eco-friendly practices, setting the tone for Wildlife Week activities across the district.
