LEH: After popular Leh Berry, Now Ladakh is turning to Cherry in a big way.
In a major push to turn the cold desert landscape greener and more sustainable, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh VK Saxena launched a massive plantation drive of 2,100 cherry saplings at Phyang under the guidance of Drikung Skyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche.
The plantation campaign, organised by the Drikung Dharma Foundation with support from the Sankalp Taru Foundation, is being seen as a significant step towards increasing Ladakh’s fragile green cover, tackling environmental degradation and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through cherry cultivation.
Addressing people during the event, the Lieutenant Governor said Ladakh has set an ambitious target of increasing its green cover to at least five per cent over the next two years.
He said large-scale plantation and community participation were essential to improve oxygen levels, check the impact of climate change and transform Ladakh into an eco-friendly tourist destination.
“Every tree planted in Ladakh is a step towards securing the future of our coming generations. Along with environmental protection, cherry orchards can also become a sustainable source of livelihood for local families,” the LG said.
In a unique public participation initiative, the administration also announced a campaign encouraging every family in Ladakh to plant at least 10 saplings and ensure their survival.
Families achieving the highest survival rates of planted saplings will be recognised and awarded by the administration.
The LG said the initiative was not merely a plantation programme but a people’s movement aimed at creating environmental awareness and strengthening Ladakh’s ecological resilience in the face of rising temperatures and shrinking natural resources.
The cold desert region of Ladakh has been witnessing growing concerns over climate change, receding glaciers and water scarcity.
Experts believe that plantation of hardy fruit-bearing trees like cherry can help improve micro-climatic conditions while also generating income for local communities through horticulture and tourism.
The event witnessed participation of monks, local residents, volunteers, students and environmental activists, who joined hands in planting saplings across the Phyang area on the outskirts of Leh.
