The Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, chaired the third meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ladakh Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) at the Civil Secretariat, Leh, on May 13.

Sajjad Hussain Mufti, Chief Conservator of Forests and CEO of Ladakh CAMPA, presented a comprehensive overview of the key achievements of the Forest and Wildlife Divisions for the fiscal year 2024–25. The presentation also reviewed highlights from the previous year and outlined the action plan for 2025–26.

Discussions during the meeting covered a wide range of topics, including natural and artificial regeneration, silvicultural operations, forest and plantation protection, pest and disease control, forest fire prevention and management, soil and moisture conservation, wildlife habitat improvement, establishment and upkeep of animal rescue centres, biodiversity conservation, mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, and other related initiatives.

Dr. Kotwal directed the department to engage local residents in operating the newly procured ambulances and emphasized expanding nursery development and sapling production for plantation drives. He also instructed the geo-tagging of solar water heaters distributed under CAMPA to ensure accountability and transparency.

Further, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for installing proper signage and information boards in wildlife areas, including the display of photographs of local fauna. He instructed that forest rest houses be properly managed, with locals hired for watch and ward duties, and that quality uniforms be provided to wildlife and forest guards.
Additionally, Dr. Kotwal proposed constructing crate bunds along the right bank of the Indus River to stabilize its course. He also called for a detailed study of ungulate populations, along with proper data analysis, to support wildlife conservation efforts.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Planning; Administrative Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture; Chief Conservator of Forests/CEO CAMPA; Wildlife Wardens of Leh and Kargil; Divisional Forest Officers of Leh and Kargil. The Principal Secretary, Forest, Ecology, and Environment; Administrative Secretary, Social Welfare; representatives from IRO, Jammu and Chandigarh, and other members participated virtually.