Ladakh Forest Department Trains Staff in Cold Desert Afforestation, Promotes Scientific Forestry for Ecological Restoration

LEH: The Leh Forest Division on Wednesday organised a specialised training programme for frontline forest staff, focusing on scientific plantation techniques designed to improve afforestation outcomes and ecological restoration in Ladakh’s high-altitude cold desert ecosystem.

The Theory-cum-Field Training Programme was conducted by Divisional Forest Officer (DCF) Amarjeet Kujur, IFS, and chaired by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh, Rajesh S., IFS.

Addressing the inaugural session, Rajesh S. emphasised the need for skill-based plantation practices suited to Ladakh’s unique climatic conditions. He said scientific approaches to afforestation would strengthen ecological restoration, community forestry, agroforestry and food forest initiatives across the Union Territory.

The programme combined classroom sessions with field-based demonstrations, enabling forest guards and field officers to gain practical exposure to techniques aimed at improving sapling survival and efficient utilisation of scarce water resources.

Training modules covered climate-resilient species selection, soil improvement, moisture conservation and water-efficient plantation methods. Participants were introduced to the cultivation of native and adaptable species such as willow, poplar, apple, apricot and Shukpa (Juniperus polycarpos), which are considered suitable for Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.

Special emphasis was laid on micro-catchment creation, trench development, organic soil conditioning and deep-root irrigation techniques to address challenges posed by water scarcity, strong winds and poor soil fertility.

During the practical session, participants undertook field exercises involving plantation bed preparation, soil treatment and sapling handling to enhance long-term plantation success.

Speaking at the concluding session, DCF Amarjeet Kujur said afforestation efforts in cold desert regions must prioritise survival and growth of plantations through scientific interventions rather than focusing solely on plantation numbers.

The department plans to implement the standardised techniques across upcoming afforestation programmes, including the Indus River Green Corridor Initiative, Ladakh Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert Urban Forestry and Food Forest Initiative, and community woodlot projects. The department also acknowledged the support of Thiksey Gonpa in facilitating the training programme.