First Botanical Garden to be Established in Shyok Village, Ladakh

Why in News ?

• In Shyok village of eastern Ladakh, located on the route to the Galwan Valley, community land is being transformed into a Botanical Garden to preserve Ladakh’s ecological and biodiversity heritage.
•  This project marks a significant step towards creating the first botanical garden in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Botanical Garden:

• Botanical gardens are protected spaces where various types of plants, trees, shrubs, medicinal herbs, and flowers are scientifically collected, preserved, classified, and displayed.
• Their purpose is not merely decorative — they hold great importance from educational, research, ecological, and conservation perspectives.

Main Objectives of the Project

• To transform the barren community land of Shyok village into a green zone through ecological restoration.
• To conserve and showcase Ladakh’s local fruits, medicinal plants, rare flora, and rock species.
• To develop the area as an eco-tourism destination.

Key Features

• Location: Shyok village, eastern Ladakh, situated on the Galwan Valley route, which is proposed to be developed for future war-zone tourism.
• Area: A total of 10 hectares of barren community land will be converted into a botanical garden.
• Natural Collections:
  • Traditional fruit trees of Ladakh — apples, apricots, etc.
  • Unique flora of high-altitude mountainous regions.
  • Local species of medicinal plants.
  • Diverse rock varieties of Ladakh.
• Tourism Potential: The project’s location on the Galwan Valley route — planned under "War Zone Tourism" — could make the garden a major ecological and cultural attraction.
• Development Timeline: Targeted for completion by 2029.
• Collaborative Initiative: Part of the Go Green Go Organic campaign, aimed at promoting organic and green lifestyles in Ladakh.

Potential Benefits of the Project

Environmental Benefits:

• Conservation of local and high-Himalayan flora and medicinal plants.
• Improvement of soil fertility and biodiversity.

Economic Benefits:

• Increased local income through eco-tourism and war-zone tourism.
• Self-employment opportunities for locals in agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.

Social Benefits:

• Encouraging active participation of villagers and fostering a sense of community ownership.
• Local employment and training opportunities for youth.

Educational & Research Benefits:

• Serve as a botanical study center for students, scientists, and researchers.
• Promote research on Ladakh’s rare plant species and unique environmental features.