Ladakh to be developed as Valley of Flowers: Lt Governor

By Arun Kumar Das

Leh (Ladakh), May 2: A few months after his appointment, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena aims to develop the Union Territory as a great tourist destination in the country.

Saxena said there is a plan to develop two locations in the Union Territory as “Valley of Flowers” is in pipeline to boost tourism and enhance the region’s natural appeal.

Choglamsar and Wari La in Leh will be developed as “Valley of Flowers”, he said.

The initiative aims to plant a wide variety of flowers that can withstand Ladakh’s harsh climatic conditions, including extreme cold and low oxygen levels.

Experts have been consulted to identify resilient species suitable for high-altitude terrain.

The LG further said the administration is working on fast-tracking the project, with plantation activities already underway at selected sites.

“By the end of June, or so, the two locations are expected to transform into vibrant floral zones, becoming major attractions for tourists visiting Leh and other parts of Ladakh,” he said.

The move is also expected to generate local employment and promote eco-tourism, while adding aesthetic value to the cold desert landscape.

“The green cover in Ladakh is 0.4 per cent as of now and our target is to convert into 5 per cent,” the LG said.

As per plan, the administration aims to raise Ladakh’s green cover with extensive plantation drives involving Willow, Apricot, and Cherry Blossom, particularly developing the “Valleys of Flowers” to boost biodiversity.