Leh, March 23: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena launched the groundbreaking Indus River Green Corridor Eco-Restoration Plantation at Spituk Pharka on Monday, India’s pioneering Cold Desert River Bank Restoration Project aimed at rejuvenating the fragile Indus riverbanks in Ladakh’s harsh ecosystem.
Nearly 1,000 saplings of native species—including Oleaster, Sea buckthorn, Indian Willow, Black Poplar, and White Willow—were planted along the riverbanks through a collaborative effort involving civil administration, military, paramilitary, police, Spituk Gonpa (which donated 1 hectare of land), and local communities. Additionally, 1,000 Cherry Blossom and Apricot saplings were planted along Leh city roadsides to beautify the urban landscape.
Organised by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment with Spituk Monastery and University of Ladakh, the event saw robust participation from defence forces, students, and residents, showcasing exemplary convergence.
Describing it as “historic,” LG Saxena said the project would build resilience and serve as a global model for high-altitude river restoration, addressing Ladakh’s pressing ecological challenges. He emphasised the nexus of nature, development, and culture, aligning with PM Modi’s vision to restore 2.6 crore hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Saxena set an ambitious target to raise Ladakh’s forest cover from under 1% to 5% within two years, highlighting benefits like soil erosion control, biodiversity boost, wind reduction, and oxygen enrichment. He advocated advanced irrigation techniques and amplifying the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Praising Spituk Monastery’s land donation as collaborative governance at its best, the LG released a special postal cover and felicitated contributors like “Go Green, Go Organic” and hackathon winners. He urged youth to champion sustainability, envisioning Ladakh as a premier eco-tourism hub.
The event was attended by CEC LAHDC Kargil Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, DGP Mukesh Singh, and diverse stakeholders.
