Amid rapid land degradation in Ladakh that has turned large stretches of fertile terrain into barren cold deserts, the UT administration has launched an ambitious ecological restoration project aimed at reclaiming degraded land and reviving fertile ecosystems.
On the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, nearly 800 acres of barren land near Spituk village in Leh have been identified for the pilot project. The land has remained infertile for centuries.
Under the initiative, excess and unused water from the adjoining Igoo-Phey irrigation canal — recently restored and made operational by the L-G — is being diverted across the land through temporary channels and minor earthwork interventions using tractors and other machinery.
“With less than 100 mm of annual rainfall, Ladakh relies heavily on glacial meltwater for survival. However, in early spring, glacial water flows too rapidly for the soil to absorb adequate moisture, leading to erosion, depletion of groundwater recharge and declining soil moisture, ultimately turning agricultural fields into arid wastelands,” an official said.
He said the project aims to transform the local ecosystem through the strategic use of freshwater and restore degraded land into productive terrain.
“Allowing freshwater to percolate into the soil will recharge depleted groundwater reserves, stimulate the growth of natural vegetation and eventually support sustainable agriculture and afforestation. Instead of adopting complex and energy-intensive solutions, the L-G has focused on a simple and hyper-local freshwater engineering approach,” the official added.
The freshwater discharge is expected to restore degraded land by flushing out harmful salts, rehydrating subsoil and dissolving essential nutrients required for plant growth.
The initiative seeks to achieve both immediate and long-term benefits, including replenishment of depleted aquifers and a rise in the local water table, creating a dependable water source for nearby areas.
Officials said barren soils contain dormant seeds that can germinate rapidly once exposed to moisture. Grasses and hardy shrubs are expected to emerge first, followed by larger vegetation over time.
“Once native vegetation takes root, plant systems will bind loose soil and protect it from wind and water erosion, the primary causes of land degradation. Freshwater will also help wash harmful salts deeper into the ground, improving soil quality and encouraging vegetation growth,” the official said.
With improved soil moisture and reliable irrigation, the barren land could eventually be used for crop cultivation and livestock grazing.
