Leh city received its first public green space with the inauguration of the restored and redeveloped Choglamsar Protected Forest on the banks of the River Indus on May 25.

The redeveloped forest, equipped with nature-oriented recreational and public amenities such as a nature trail, nature park, cycle track, biodiversity and wellness zones, gazebos, and viewpoints, was restored within just 45 days following Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena’s first visit to the site on April 7, 2026. At the time, the forest area was reportedly in a dilapidated condition, with broken pavements, degraded landscapes, and a lack of basic public amenities.

Recognising its ecological, environmental, and social significance, the Lieutenant Governor directed the redevelopment of the forest area with facilities including pedestrian pathways, children’s play areas, and public conveniences.

Following the directions, restoration work was undertaken in mission mode and completed within a short span of 45 days. The upgraded facilities now include eco-friendly cycling tracks, dedicated children’s play areas, gazebos, pedestrian pathways, resting spaces, and study corners equipped with books and literature on wildlife and environmental conservation.

Spread across nearly 27 acres along the River Indus and located around 7 km from Leh city, the Choglamsar Protected Forest was established in the 1970s on barren and erosion-prone land. Over the years, despite playing a significant role in stabilising the Indus riverbanks, conserving soil, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening the fragile ecological balance of the Himalayan region, the forest had fallen into neglect and required urgent restoration and upgradation.

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Saxena described the Choglamsar Protected Forest as one of Ladakh’s most valuable ecological assets and said it symbolises resilience, restoration, and harmony between humanity and nature.

“At a time when climate change poses serious challenges to fragile mountain ecosystems, Choglamsar Protected Forest stands as a powerful example of ecological restoration and environmental stewardship. Our objective is not merely to develop a park, but to create a model ecological destination rooted in the principle of ‘Conservation First’, where conservation, education, recreation, and community participation coexist in harmony,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also released a brochure on the Choglamsar Protected Forest highlighting its ecological significance, conservation objectives, and management initiatives.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment and the University of Ladakh for undertaking comprehensive research-based engagement on the conservation and propagation of the endangered Juniper species (Juniperus semiglobosa), the State Tree of Ladakh.

The Lieutenant Governor also formally released the new uniform code for forest and wildlife field staff of the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.

Saxena appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Forest Department, environmental experts, local stakeholders, and all individuals associated with the preservation and restoration of the protected forest.