Plantation Drive Marks World Earth Day at Reclaimed Legacy Waste Site in Leh.

Plantation Drive Marks World Earth Day at Reclaimed Legacy Waste Site in Leh.
Today, on the occasion of World Earth Day, a significant plantation drive was conducted at the Bombgarh site in Leh. The event was jointly organized by the Forest Department Leh in collaboration with the Municipal Committee Leh. The Bombgarh site, which had been used for dumping legacy waste for over 30 years, has recently undergone a complete transformation through the process of bio-mining, resulting in the successful clearance and reclamation of the land.
Shri Sonam Nurbu (JKAS), Administrator of Municipal Committee Leh and Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Leh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by the Range Officer of the Forest Department Leh and officials from the Municipal Committee Leh.
The reclaimed land—approximately one-third of the total legacy waste site—is now being repurposed into a green space. As per the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), this initiative aims to restore ecological balance and compensate for the environmental damage and adverse health impacts suffered by the population residing in the vicinity of the former dump site.
Under this afforestation initiative, funded through CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority), a total of 8,000 saplings are scheduled to be planted. As a start, 400 saplings were planted during today’s event.
A key highlight of the initiative is the sustainable use of treated wastewater from the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for irrigation. The water is being supplied via dedicated water tankers and suction machines, ensuring an eco-friendly and resource-efficient approach. Additionally, a drip irrigation system is being implemented for effective and judicious management of water resources, promoting long-term sustainability in the region.
This initiative stands as a model for integrated waste management, environmental restoration, and sustainable resource utilization in the Leh region.