Ladakh launches first cold desert riverbank restoration project along Indus
A first-of-its-kind cold desert riverbank restoration project was launched in Ladakh along the Indus River. The initiative aims to restore ecology, increase green cover, and involve local communities in sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts
Leh: Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday launched the Indus River Green Corridor Eco-Restoration Plantation at Spituk Pharka here, an initiative aimed at restoring the ecological integrity of the Indus riverbanks and creating green buffers in the fragile desert landscape of Leh-Ladakh.
This initiative is a one-of-a-kind cold desert riverbank restoration project in India, a spokesperson of the Lok Bhavan said.
As part of the exercise, he said nearly 1,000 saplings of indigenous species like Oleaster, Sea buckthorn, Indian Willow, Black Poplar and White Willow were planted on the riverbank through the collaborative efforts of the civil administration, military, paramilitary, police, and local communities, especially Spituk Gonpa and its monastic fraternity, which gave one hectare of land for the plantation.
Apart from this, 1,000 saplings of Cherry Blossom and Apricot were also planted along the roadside in Leh city, aimed at enhancing the green aesthetics of the city, the spokesperson said.
Describing the occasion as historic, the Lt Governor said that with the support of the local communities, this project would emerge as an instrument of resilience, stability, and a global model for high-altitude river ecosystem restoration.
He said the launch of the Indus River Green Corridor in a fragile ecosystem like Ladakh represents a major step towards sustainable development.
Saxena emphasised that the initiative would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Leh but also help address the pressing ecological challenges of Ladakh.
The LG underlined the need to recognise the deep interconnection between nature, development, and culture, stating that forests and rivers in Ladakh are not merely ecological assets but integral to the region’s identity and sustainability.
Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he spoke about India’s commitment to sustainable development and combating land degradation and desertification.
He reiterated the national goal of restoring 2.6 crore hectares of degraded land by 2030 and expressed confidence that Ladakh can play a pivotal role in achieving this target.
Emphasising the importance of community participation, the LG appreciated the contribution of Spituk Monastery for donating one hectare of land for the project, terming it a commendable example of collaborative governance.
Saxena described the Indus River Green Corridor as not merely a government initiative but a “civilisational project” aimed at restoring the ecological integrity of the water body while ensuring a harmonious balance between development and environmental conservation.
He also called for amplifying the prime minister’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign in Ladakh and urged the Forest Department to identify suitable land for large-scale plantation.
Drawing attention to Ladakh’s low forest cover — currently less than one per cent — he termed it a matter of concern and set an ambitious target of increasing it to five per cent in the coming two years.
He highlighted the scientific benefits of plantation, including reduction in wind speed through shelter belts, prevention of soil erosion along riverbanks, improvement in biodiversity and micro-climatic stability, and enhancement of oxygen levels.
