DRASS: As part of the ongoing Wildlife Week celebrations, the Department of Wildlife Protection organized an immersive awareness program titled ‘Know Your Wild Neighbour’ at Government High School (GHS) Chowkiyal, Drass. The initiative aimed to connect students with their immediate natural environment and instill a sense of responsibility toward the preservation of high-altitude ecosystems.
Students and staff members of GHS Chowkiyal actively participated in the day-long event. Accompanied by wildlife and forest experts, the participants took part in a guided field exposure tour around the region, gaining hands-on knowledge about the rich biodiversity native to the Drass valley.
During the field session, experts briefed the students on the region’s unique flora and fauna, highlighting the critical ecological roles played by high-altitude wildlife and plant species. Topics covered included the identification of local wildlife species, the fragile balance of mountain habitats, and the urgency of conservation in the face of environmental challenges.
The program concluded with an engaging quiz competition designed to evaluate the concepts and observations students gathered during their field exposure. The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from the students, with top performers being recognized for their environmental awareness and quick learning.
Speaking on the occasion, representatives from the Wildlife Department emphasized that fostering early environmental stewardship among youth in border and high-altitude areas is vital for long-term conservation success. School authorities expressed their gratitude to the Wildlife Department for organizing the educational event and requested similar initiatives in the future.
