LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday inaugurated a mass plantation drive of 2,100 cherry saplings at the Drikung Dharma Foundation in Phyang with an aim to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Union Territory.
The plantation drive was organised by the Drikung Dharma Foundation in collaboration with SankalpTaru Foundation under the guidance and inspiration of Drikung Skyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche.
Addressing the gathering, Vinai Kumar Saxena described the plantation drive as a significant step towards securing Ladakh’s future and preserving its fragile ecosystem.
The Lieutenant Governor urged people to actively participate in plantation drives and environmental conservation activities and announced a new public participation programme under which every family in Ladakh would be encouraged to plant at least 10 saplings and ensure their survival.
He said families achieving the highest survival rate of planted trees would be recognised and awarded.
Vinai Kumar Saxena said that since assuming charge as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, efforts have been intensified to expand plantation drives across the region by introducing different species of trees and plants suited to Ladakh’s climatic conditions.
He said the initiative aims to enhance green cover, combat environmental degradation and develop Ladakh into a sustainable and eco-friendly region.
Highlighting the fragile nature of Ladakh’s ecosystem, the Lieutenant Governor said extensive plantation efforts were essential to tackle environmental challenges and safeguard the future of coming generations.
He said nature-based solutions were key to addressing environmental concerns and noted that the plantation of cherry saplings marked a new initiative aimed at introducing diverse plant species suitable for the region.
Vinai Kumar Saxena informed that more than 8,000 saplings had already been planted across Ladakh since he assumed office and said the plantation of 2,100 cherry saplings was another major step towards enhancing green cover and enriching Ladakh’s floral diversity.
The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the efforts of the Drikung Dharma Foundation for its continued contribution towards environmental protection and social welfare across Ladakh.
