Leh, June 18: In a significant step towards strengthening ecological restoration and expanding green cover in Ladakh’s fragile cold desert ecosystem, the Leh Forest Division on Thursday conducted a comprehensive Theory-Cum-Field Training Programme on Forestry Plantation Techniques for its frontline field staff.
The training programme was conducted by Shri Amarjeet Kujur, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Leh Forest Division, and chaired by Shri Rajesh S., IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Addl PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh.
Addressing the inaugural session, Rajesh S. emphasized the need for skill enhancement in cold desert plantation techniques to achieve better outcomes in ecological restoration, community forestry, agroforestry promotion, and food forest development across Ladakh.
The programme focused on equipping forest guards, block officers, and other frontline personnel with scientific and practical techniques tailored to Ladakh’s extreme climatic conditions. Combining classroom sessions with intensive field demonstrations, the training aimed to improve sapling survival rates while ensuring efficient use of scarce water resources.
The training was structured around five key modules designed to address the unique challenges of high-altitude afforestation.
Under the Climate-Resilient Species Selection module, participants studied the performance of native and adaptable species such as willow, poplar, apple, apricot, and Juniperus polycarpos (Shukpa), balancing ecological restoration with local community needs.
The Advanced Plantation Techniques session introduced methods such as micro-catchments and specialized trenches capable of trapping snow, reducing wind impact, and maximizing moisture retention in arid landscapes.
Recognizing the challenges posed by Ladakh’s sandy and nutrient-deficient soils, the Soil Structure and Nutrient Improvement module demonstrated the use of organic compost, natural soil binders, and moisture-retaining additives to create a healthier root environment for saplings.
The Arid-Zone Irrigation Engineering component focused on efficient water management practices, including deep-root watering systems, subsurface moisture conservation techniques, and plantation designs aimed at minimizing evaporation losses caused by intense ultraviolet radiation at high altitudes.
The programme concluded with a hands-on field workshop, where participants prepared plantation beds, mixed soil amendments, and practiced precision planting and root-handling techniques on live saplings.
Speaking during the concluding session, DCF Amarjeet Kujur stressed that successful greening in a cold desert environment requires a shift from conventional forestry methods.
“Every sapling planted in Ladakh faces severe climatic stress. Through scientific moisture conservation and targeted soil improvement, our focus is shifting from merely increasing plantation numbers to ensuring long-term survival and ecological sustainability,” he said.
Officials said the standardized techniques learned during the training will now be implemented across upcoming afforestation programmes under major initiatives including the Indus River Green Corridor Initiative, Ladakh Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert Urban Forestry and Food Forest Initiative, and various community woodlot projects being undertaken by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh.
The Leh Forest Division also acknowledged the support of Thiksey Gonpa for facilitating the training programme and actively participating in local greening initiatives.
