Leh, March 23: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena today launched the Indus River Green Corridor Eco-Restoration Plantation at Spituk Pharka, marking a significant step towards ecological restoration and sustainable development in Ladakh’s fragile cold desert landscape.
The initiative, described as a first-of-its-kind riverbank restoration project in India’s cold desert region, aims to revive the ecological integrity of the Indus riverbanks while creating green buffers across vulnerable zones. Nearly 1,000 saplings of indigenous species, including Oleaster, Sea buckthorn, Indian Willow, Black Poplar and White Willow, were planted over one hectare of land along the riverbank.
The plantation drive was carried out through a coordinated effort involving the civil administration, defence forces, paramilitary, police and local communities. The Spituk Monastery, which contributed one hectare of land, played a key role in facilitating the initiative.
In addition, around 1,000 saplings of Cherry Blossom and Apricot were planted along roadsides in Leh city to enhance urban green aesthetics.
The programme, organised by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment in collaboration with Spituk Monastery and the University of Ladakh, witnessed participation from officials, students and members of civil society, highlighting a model of collective action.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor termed the initiative a “civilisational project” and underscored its potential to emerge as a global model for high-altitude river ecosystem restoration. He stressed that the project represents a major stride towards sustainable development and ecological resilience in Ladakh.
Emphasising the interdependence of nature, culture and development, Saxena noted that forests and rivers are central to Ladakh’s identity and long-term sustainability. He also highlighted India’s broader environmental commitments, including the national goal of restoring 2.6 crore hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Calling for greater public participation, he lauded the contribution of the Spituk Monastery and urged stakeholders to scale up plantation efforts under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. He also directed authorities to identify suitable land for expanding green cover.
Noting that Ladakh’s forest cover remains below one percent, the Lieutenant Governor set a target to increase it to five percent within the next two years. He outlined the ecological benefits of afforestation, including reduced soil erosion, improved biodiversity, enhanced micro-climate stability and increased oxygen levels.
The Lieutenant Governor further stressed the adoption of scientific irrigation techniques such as gravity-based solar submersible systems and drip irrigation to ensure sustainability of plantations.
He also called upon the youth to actively participate in environmental conservation and innovation, reiterating his vision of transforming Ladakh into a premier global tourist destination rooted in ecological balance.
On the occasion, a special postal cover was released and individuals and organisations contributing to environmental conservation were felicitated. Winners of a hackathon were also honoured.
Senior officials from the Ladakh administration, armed forces, judiciary and civil society, along with representatives of religious institutions and students, were present at the event.
