INDUS RIVER GREEN CORRIDOR PROJECT: GREENING THE COLD DESERT

Why In News?

The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh launched the Indus River Green Corridor Eco-Restoration Project at Spituk Pharka, Leh. 

What is the Indus River Green Corridor Project?

It is a first-of-its-kind Cold Desert River Bank Restoration Project in India. 

• Core Objective: To create a "Green Buffer" along the banks of the Indus River to prevent soil erosion, combat desertification, and restore biodiversity.
• The Target: To increase Ladakh’s forest cover from the current <1% to 5% within the next two years.  
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Key Features of the Project

1. Strategic Plantation (Flora Selection)

The project avoids monoculture and focuses on indigenous species suited for the harsh cold arid climate (-30°C winters). 

• Riverbank Species: Sea Buckthorn (prevents soil erosion/nitrogen fixing), Oleaster, Indian Willow, and Black Poplar.
• Aesthetic/City Species: Cherry Blossom and Apricot saplings planted along roadsides in Leh to boost "Eco-cultural Tourism." 

1. Technology Integration

Given the water scarcity in Ladakh, the project does not rely on flood irrigation. 

• Innovation: It utilises Gravity-based Solar Submersible Strip Irrigation and Drip Irrigation systems to ensure high survival rates of saplings with minimal water wastage. 

1. Collaborative Governance (Jan Bhagidari)

• Religious Institutions: The Spituk Monastery donated one hectare of prime land for the plantation, blending spiritual stewardship with environmental conservation.
• Security Forces: Active participation from the Army, Paramilitary, and Police, highlighting the "Civil-Military Fusion" in border development. 

Significance 

Combating Desertification: Aligns with India's commitment to restore 2.6 crore hectares of degraded land by 2030 (Bonn Challenge).

Climate Resilience: The "Green Wall" acts as a shelterbelt, reducing wind speeds and preventing the siltation of the Indus River caused by loose soil.

Carbon Sequestration: Expanding forest cover in the Himalayas is critical for managing the region's "Micro-climate" and offsetting carbon emissions from growing tourism.

Source: NEWSONAIR