Kargil: District Legal Service Authority (DLSA), Kargil in collaboration with Government Degree College Kargil, celebrated the World Environment Day 2025 here at Damsna, Sankoo valley today. The students along with concerned faculties of GDC Kargil were flagged off by In-charge Principal, Mr. Zahoor Hussain, Senior Assistant Professor.
The event began with a welcome speech by Dr. Abdul Hamid, Assistant Professor Environmental Sciences, who highlighted the objectives of the event and provided the layout of the daylong programme. Legal experts from DLSA Kargil educated the students on key environmental laws and legal provisions.
Advocate Nissar Hussain, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel Kargil, elaborated on the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974. He informed the participants about the Free Legal Aid services which is available both in civil and criminal cases to weaker sections of society through DLSA.
Advocate Zarina Banoo, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel Kargil, elaborated on the National Green Tribunal Act and discussed constitutional and legislative provisions such as Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, and the Biodiversity Conservation Act etc for the overall protection and improvement of the environment. She also highlighted the role of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) across various zones of the district in educating local communities about the legal services provided by the courts through the DLSA.
Faculty members of GDC Kargil provided insightful talks on environmental issues and sustainable practices. Dr. Stanzin Namtak, Assistant Professor, emphasized the need to focus on local food products and organic farming to reduce plastic packaging and ensure the sustainable development of the local economy.
Dr. Murtaza Ali, Director of Physical Education and Sports, discussed steps taken by the college administration to curb plastic usage and reduce fast food consumption on campus.
Students of the college also shared their views on pressing environmental issues and pledged to raise awareness about matters concerning the environment.
The student speakers included Maryam Banoo, Ahsan Ali, Fatima Hura Waziri, and Mohd. Towheed, who each highlighted the importance of individual and collective action in protecting nature.
Many local villagers also took part in the event and expressed their gratitude to the resource persons for sharing valuable information about the free legal aid services offered by DLSA to the needfull individuals. During the interactive session, a local resident, Mr. Mohd. Sadiq, voiced his concerns regarding the increasing pollution caused by visitors in the meadows and around rivers and springs during picnic activities.
After the interactive sessions, participants took part in a nature walk followed by a cleanliness drive in Damsna village.
The programme concluded with a plantation drive at Sankoo, where students, faculty members, and DLSA officials planted tree saplings, contributing to local ecological restoration efforts.
