International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer Observes in Whole Ladakh

LEH, September 16: The Department of Forest Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh observed World Ozone Day on 16^th September, 2023 to raise awareness among the stakeholders and general public regarding the significance of ozone layer ramifications of ozone layer depletion and potential measures to protect the ozone layer. 

This year’s theme for World Ozone Day 2023 was “Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change” highlighting the connection between protecting the ozone layer and reducing climate change.

Commemorating the occasion, a pledge-taking ceremony was organized at Headquarters under the stewardship of Sh. Sajjad Hussain Mufti, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests/Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh to make efforts for the preservation of the ozone layer and to make commitments towards protecting and conserving natural resources for future generations.

World Ozone Day, 2023 was also celebrated at the Division level offices of Forest Ecology and Environment Department, UT Ladakh. Pledges were taken and events were organized at various locations in Kargil and Leh districts to spread awareness and to call upon all the stakeholders to initiate action towards protecting and conserving the ozone layer.

World Ozone Day was also celebrated in Kargil Forest Division at Rgyal Khatoon Park Baimathang Kargil in which students from different schools participated in a painting competition, which was followed by a cleanliness drive at Rgyal Khatoon Park in collaboration with Municipal Committee Kargil. The Wildlife Protection Division Kargil celebrated the occasion by taking pledges and organizing an awareness event at Government Model Middle School Yourbaltak, Kargil which included a painting competition.

World Ozone Day was also organized by the Forest Division Kargil at Zanskar in collaboration with Degree College Zanskar. Debate and painting competitions were organized at the event.

World Ozone Day was observed at Primary School and KGBV School Tangtse in Durbuk Forest Range. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest, SDM Durbuk, Sh. Shakil Ahmad raised awareness amongst the participants and emphasized the need for protecting the ozone layer followed by a skit play on the ozone layer by 8th-standard students of KGBV school.

World Ozone Day was also celebrated in Leh Forest Range at Boys Higher Secondary School. The event was graced by Sh. Dhawan Kumar Rawat, IFS, DFO Leh. Painting, essay, and debate competitions were organized around the theme of World Ozone Day followed by prize distribution.

World Ozone Day was organized at the Division level at Headquarters Soil Conservation Division, Leh and Kargil in which employees participated and took pledges to keep the environment clean protect Mother Earth, and conserve natural resources.

The Wildlife Protection Division Leh celebrated World Ozone Day at Government Middle School Skara, Leh. Painting competitions and symposiums were organized.

Speaking at the event, Sajjad Hussain Mufti, Chief Conservator of Forests/Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh, highlighted the role of the ozone layer in sustaining life on planet Earth, understanding the relationship between protecting the ozone layer and reducing climate change and the need to inspire all the stakeholders to endeavor for a more sustainable lifestyle in line with mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).