LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday inaugurated the restored and redeveloped Choglamsar Protected Forest on the banks of the River Indus, describing the site as a future model for ecological conservation and sustainable eco-tourism in the Union Territory.
The redevelopment of the forest has also given Leh city its first public green space, equipped with nature-oriented recreational and environmental facilities including cycling tracks, biodiversity zones, nature trails, wellness spaces, gazebos and pedestrian pathways.
Located nearly seven kilometres from Leh city and spread across around 27 acres, the Choglamsar Protected Forest was originally developed in the 1970s on barren and erosion-prone land to stabilise the Indus riverbanks and strengthen the ecological balance of the region. Over the years, however, the area had deteriorated considerably, with damaged infrastructure, degraded landscapes and the absence of basic public amenities.
Officials said the restoration work was undertaken following Saxena’s visit to the site on April 7, during which he directed the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment to initiate immediate redevelopment and conservation measures. The restoration exercise was subsequently completed within 45 days in what the administration described as a “mission mode”.
The upgraded site now includes eco-friendly cycling tracks, dedicated children’s play areas, resting spaces, public conveniences and study corners containing books and literature on wildlife and environmental conservation.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the restored forest, Saxena said the project represented more than the development of a recreational space and reflected Ladakh’s broader commitment towards environmental stewardship in fragile mountain ecosystems.
“At a time when climate change poses serious challenges to fragile mountain ecosystems, Choglamsar Protected Forest stands as a powerful example of ecological restoration and environmental stewardship. Our objective is not merely to develop a park, but to create a model ecological destination rooted in the principle of ‘Conservation First’, where conservation, education, recreation and community participation coexist in harmony,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He described the protected forest as one of Ladakh’s important ecological assets and said it symbolised resilience, restoration and coexistence between communities and nature.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also released a brochure detailing the ecological significance, conservation objectives and management initiatives related to the Choglamsar Protected Forest.
In a parallel initiative aimed at biodiversity conservation, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment and University of Ladakh for research and propagation of the endangered Juniper species (Juniperus semiglobosa), recognised as the State Tree of Ladakh.
Saxena also unveiled a new uniform code for forest and wildlife field staff of the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment and commended officials, environmental experts and local stakeholders associated with the restoration effort.
The administration views the redevelopment of the Choglamsar Protected Forest as part of a wider ecological strategy aimed at balancing environmental conservation with responsible public access and community participation in Ladakh’s environmentally sensitive Himalayan landscape.
