Shayok village in Ladakh to create Ffrst-ever botanical garden for conservation

🌱 Shayok Botanical Garden in Eastern Ladakh

🗓️ Planned Completion: By 2029

📍 Location: Shayok village, en route to Galwan Valley, Eastern Ladakh

🗞 Source: NewsOnAir, updated *August 6, 2025, 8:45 AM

🔹 Project Overview

• Objective: Conversion of 10 hectares of barren community land into Ladakh’s first-ever botanical garden.
• Purpose: Conservation of:
  • Indigenous fruits (e.g., Apricots, Apples)
  • Medicinal plants
  • High-altitude flora & fauna
  • Geological specimens like Ladakhi rock varieties
• Linked to both ecological preservation and sustainable tourism development.

🔹 Support & Funding

• Leh Hill Council(through Command Area Development Dept.)
  • Responsible for civil works like land tilling & water reservoir construction.
  • ₹1 crore funded so far.
• Tashi Namgyal Yakzee (Area Councillor) personally financed solar-powered water pumping system.

🔹 Ecotourism Potential

• The garden lies on the route to Galwan Valley, being considered under the Battlefield Tourism Initiative.
• Potential to attract eco-tourists, botanists, and students.
• Could become a model for high-altitude botanical conservation in India.

🔹 Environmental Context

• Part of Go Green Go Organic Initiative in Ladakh by Drikung Kyabsgon Chetsang Rinpoche.
• Promotes:
  • Green infrastructure
  • Organic growth models
  • Community-led conservation efforts