In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Nyoma Youth Association, in collaboration with the Indian Army and 11 civil organisations, led the Changthang region’s largest-ever civil-military cleanup drive to mark World Environment Day. The three-day campaign covered an extensive stretch—44 km of roads and 40 km of the Indus River, including midstream areas, from Mahe to Loma.

A total of 56 students from Government Middle School, Government Higher Secondary School, and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) actively participated in the drive, successfully removing an estimated 14 tons of waste from this ecologically sensitive zone.

This high-altitude mission was not just about waste removal, but also about protecting the fragile habitat of endangered species such as the Black-necked Crane, Kiang, Snow Partridge, and Brahminy Duck.

The cleanup conveyed a strong message of unity, environmental stewardship, and youth-led conservation action—with heartfelt appreciation for the Indian Army, whose commitment continues to extend beyond national borders to the preservation of nature in Ladakh’s most remote frontiers.