A block plantation drive integrated with an automated drip irrigation system under the Horticulture Plantation Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Watershed Development Component (PMKSY–WDC 2.0) was successfully launched at Saspol community land on March 17.

The initiative aims to promote sustainable land use, enhance green cover, and support livelihood generation through horticulture-based interventions, while ensuring efficient water management in the region. The plantation activity witnessed active participation from local stakeholders, Watershed Committees, and officials from the District Watershed Development Unit.

Speaking on the occasion, the Project Officer, IWMP Leh, highlighted the importance of block plantation in improving soil moisture retention, reducing land degradation, and creating long-term economic opportunities for the local community. She emphasized that the installation of an automated drip irrigation system will ensure judicious water use by delivering it directly to the root zone of plants, thereby enhancing water-use efficiency and improving plant survival rates in Ladakh’s cold arid conditions.

The plantation includes horticultural species suitable for the region’s agro-climatic conditions. The programme also emphasized community involvement and ownership to ensure proper maintenance and protection of the plantation area for sustained benefits.

This intervention is expected to contribute significantly to ecological restoration, water conservation, and income generation under the PMKSY–WDC 2.0 framework.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to implementing innovative and environmentally sustainable initiatives across the district to strengthen watershed management and promote climate-resilient agriculture.