IWMP Leh Organises Bhumipujan, Lokarpan and Plantation Drive on the Occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

IWMP Leh Organises Bhumipujan, Lokarpan and Plantation Drive on the Occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
Leh, June 17: On the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), Leh, under the leadership of the Project Officer, PMKSY-WDC 2.0, organized a series of activities across various micro-watersheds in different project areas of Leh district.
As part of the observance, Bhumipujan (foundation laying ceremonies) of newly sanctioned watershed development works, Lokarpan (inauguration) of completed assets, and extensive plantation drives were conducted in several watershed villages under PMKSY-WDC 2.0 projects. The activities witnessed active participation from Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, Watershed Committees, Self Help Groups, village volunteers, beneficiaries, and local residents.
The programme was organized with the objective of creating awareness about the growing challenges of land degradation, desertification, drought, and climate change, while highlighting the importance of sustainable natural resource management and environmental conservation. Plantation activities were undertaken to promote ecological restoration, improve green cover, and strengthen community participation in environmental protection.
During the events, officials emphasized the significance of integrated watershed development in enhancing water security, soil conservation, groundwater recharge, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in the fragile ecosystems of Ladakh. The newly inaugurated assets are expected to contribute significantly towards improving the productivity of natural resources and strengthening the socio-economic well-being of local communities.
The Project Officer, IWMP Leh, Mrs Shenaz Tabassume reiterated the department’s commitment towards achieving the objectives of PMKSY-WDC 2.0 through participatory watershed management, conservation of land and water resources, and promotion of sustainable development practices across the district.
The celebrations concluded with a collective pledge by participants to protect the environment, conserve water resources, and actively contribute towards combating desertification and drought for a sustainable future.