Scientists Propose ‘Blue-Green’ Initiatives to Solve Leh City’s Environmental Woes
Ladakh, known as the “Land of High Passes,” “Little Tibet,” or the “Last Shangri-la,” is a region in the northernmost part of India, located between the Kunlun Mountain range in the north and the Himalayas to the south (Figure 1).
As a union territory (federal territory governed by the Union Government of India), Ladakh is known for its largest city and capital, Leh.
This rugged landscape, which sits at a high altitude of 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level, has captivated travelers, adventurers, and scholars for centuries.
In fact, this region has seen an explosion in tourism in the last decade. The crush of visitors has brought in welcome tourist money, but it is multiplying local communities’ problems with water supplies, sanitation, roads, and farming.
Although efforts are underway to address the challenges, the concept of sustainability becomes paramount here. Tourism is a double-edged sword—bringing economic benefits while potentially harming the environment and disturbing local communities.
‘Hotspot’ for Ecological Research
A primary reason to visit Ladakh’s cold desert environment is its fragile ecosystem, which has adapted to harsh conditions, scant rainfall, and low humidity levels. The flora and fauna have adapted to survive, making Ladakh a hotspot for ecological research and biodiversity conservation (Gaur et al., 2024b).
There are a variety of plant species, such as juniper, wild roses, sea buckthorn, and alpine flowers, that stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The region's high-altitude lakes, including Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, are fed by glaciers and snowmelt. These lakes provide vital breeding grounds for several bird species, contribute to the region's beauty, and serve as crucial sources of freshwater for local communities and wildlife.
Ladakh’s Cultural Heritage and Outdoor Activities
Another attraction of Ladakh is its rich cultural history. Visitors from around the world are drawn to its unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist culture, stunning landscapes, and adventure opportunities. Ladakh’s heritage is shaped by its location on the ancient Silk Route and centuries-old ties with Tibet. The region is dotted with monasteries (gompa), such as Thiksey, Hemis, and Diskit, which are not only centers of Buddhist worship but also repositories of Tibetan art, architecture, and manuscripts.
Ladakh is a mecca for adventure enthusiasts. The rugged terrain offers opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, and motorbiking. The Khardung La pass, one of the world's highest motorable roads, and the Zanskar River, famous for its challenging rafting routes, are among the top attractions for adventure seekers. The stark beauty of Ladakh's landscapes—towering snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and expansive plains—makes it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. The changing hues of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes at different times of the day and the magnetic hill phenomenon near Leh add to the region's allure.
Also, the warm hospitality of the Ladakhi people, their colorful festivals (like Hemis Festival and Ladakh Festival), traditional cuisine (thukpa, momos, and butter tea), and vibrant handicrafts (such as Pashmina shawls and turquoise jewelry) further enrich the cultural experience for tourists.
Surge of Tourism in Ladakh
Apart from Leh City, Leh district consists of 113 villages, where tourists make their stay. Ladakh first opened its doors to tourists in 1974, and since then the number of visitors has soared from a modest 400 to 500 annually to a record-breaking 800,000 tourists in 2022 (Figure 2).
This surge in tourism has exacerbated water resource depletion and environmental degradation in Leh and surrounding areas. The scarcity of water has led to the abandonment of farms and traditional livelihoods, while encouraging migration into other villages or towns.
The visitors, while welcome, put demands on local water supplies. Researchers, such as Dr. Rajesh K. Goyal from the ICAR Central Arid Zone Research Institute, estimate that it will take an additional 2.5 to 3.0 million liters (about 660,000 to 800,000 gallons) of water daily to accommodate guests at full occupancy (Goyal et al., 2023; Goyal et al., 2024).
Researchers, such as Dr. Rajesh K. Goyal from the ICAR Central Arid Zone Research Institute, estimate that it will take an additional 2.5 to 3.0 million liters (about 660,000 to 800,000 gallons) of water daily to accommodate guests at full occupancy.
Leh’s population has long relied on glacial meltwater and springs for its water supply. But it now faces water shortages during peak season, and local hotels and guesthouses are resorting to unregulated groundwater extraction.
The drying up of springs has necessitated the use of thousands of water tankers daily to meet the demands of tourists.
Urbanization in Ladakh
The pace of construction has more than doubled in Leh. Data reveals that 9,400 new buildings were constructed between 2003 and 2017—which is approximately the same number of buildings constructed from 1969 to 2003.
Data reveals that 9,400 new buildings were constructed between 2003 and 2017—which is approximately the same number of buildings constructed from 1969 to 2003.
Further, the building area has quintupled from 36 ha (89 acres) to 196 ha (484 acres) between 1969 and 2017, according to Dr. Juliane Dame of the Heidelberg Center for the Environment, Heidelberg University, Germany, and colleagues. Consequentially, construction activities have consumed some agricultural land—loss of farmland rose from 1% in 1969 to 8% in 2017.
Urban expansion is even spilling into barren land area surrounding the town, according to Dr. Mahesh Kumar Gaur of Central Arid Zone Research Institute. Analyzing the satellite data of urban development in Leh, it reflects three main characteristics: (a) expansion of urban areas into barren land, (b) expansion of urban areas into agricultural land, and (c) densification of already existing built-up areas.
While the maximum water supply capacity was 7.5 million liters per day (MLD) in 2018, the Ladakh Ecological Development Group stated that the water supply needed to increase to 12 MLD in 2022. Drs. Goyal and Gaur stated that in 2030, as much as 18 MLD of water would be required (Goyal et al., 2023; Goyal et al., 2024).
Drs. Goyal and Gaur stated that in 2030, as much as 18 MLD of water would be required.
However, meeting this demand amid water leakage problems, with nearly 38% of water wasted, remains a challenge.
Plans for Environmentally Conscious Management in Ladakh
Ladakh leaders are now engaged in efforts to promote responsible tourism, conserve fragile ecosystems, and empower local communities through sustainable livelihoods.
In collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs and the Global Covenant of Mayors South Asia, the Leh Climate Action Plan was launched with the primary aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This includes enhancing energy efficiency, improving public transportation, and tackling issues related to water scarcity and waste management. In 2021, NTPC Limited introduced a project to deploy five hydrogen buses and establish a solar plant along with a green hydrogen production unit.
The Himalayan Farmstays initiative offers tourists a chance to experience the genuine Ladakhi lifestyle by staying on farms in local villages. This experience includes participating in tours, farming activities, and scenic walks.
Instead of using chemical fertilizers, the farms utilize manure from dry toilets, which is environmentally friendly but less lucrative. Manish Adlakha, who leads ground operations for the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh, noted that the lower profitability of this approach can be offset through tourism.
Given the water scarcity in Ladakh, Drs. Gaur and Goyal recommend implementing Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI). This model calls for comprehensive planning, collection, and regulation of water, wastewater, glacial meltwater, and stormwater across the urban landscape, while equipping cities with the resilience to adapt to climate change and extreme weather conditions.
This concept also integrates water bodies and green spaces in urban areas, where “blue” represents water features like rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and “green” encompasses parks, gardens, and vegetation. (Gaur and Goyal 2024).
Drs. Gaur and Goyal also propose incorporating “green” elements such as green streets and green roofs to filter pollutants from runoff, creating parks and wetlands to protect biodiversity, and enhancing urban vegetation. Additionally, they advocate for the restoration of traditional water courses in Leh that have been lost due to urban expansion and encroachment (Gaur and Goyal 2024).
The local administration is actively working to revive abandoned villages and address water shortages through the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Out of 40,808 households, 38,242 (93.71%) have been provided with tap water, according to data from JJM.
The local administration is actively working to revive abandoned villages and address water shortages through the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Out of 40,808 households, 38,242 (93.71%) have been provided with tap water, according to data from JJM. Additionally, Village Level Water and Sanitation Committees have been established in 235 out of 240 villages (97.92%) to enhance the implementation of rural water supply initiatives under the Blue-Green Initiative.
The Ladakh administration is currently drafting a policy for managing solid and plastic waste. In rural areas, the Rural Development Department oversees waste management, with Solid Resource Management Centres set up in over two dozen villages to handle waste collection and sorting. The Amrit Dharohar Scheme aims to promote the optimal utilization of wetlands over the next three years.
A detailed management plan for the biodiversity conservation of the Tsomoriri-Tsokar wetland ecosystem has been prepared by the Department of Wildlife Protection in collaboration with WWF-India. Local authorities are actively working to preserve urban green spaces and enhance their attractiveness and livability.
Ladakh's ecological diversity, cultural richness, and tourism potential make it a truly remarkable destination. However, it is crucial to balance tourism development with conservation efforts to ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate and benefit from the natural and cultural treasures of this high-altitude wonderland.
*Dr. Mahesh K. Gaur is Principal Scientist at the ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, India, and is currently working at its Regional Research Station, Leh (The Union Territory of Ladakh, India).
References:
Gaur, Mahesh K. 2024. Land Use Changes, Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Cold Arid ecosystem of Ladakh, India. (In press) Springer, Switzerland.
———, R.K. Goyal, M.S. Kanwar, and V. Chaudhary. 2024a. Geoinformatics Applications in Land Resources Mapping and Management in Leh District (India). In: P. Santra et. al (Eds), Book of Abstract for Conference on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Challenged Agro-Ecosystem. Arid Zone Research Association of India (Jodhpur, Rajasthan), pp 151.
Goyal, R.K., M.K. Gaur, and M.S. Kanwar. September 4, 2023. “Looming Water Crisis in Ladakh Under Climate Change Scenario.” The Earth News.
———, M.K. Gaur, and M. Singh. 2024. Water resources of cold arid region of Ladakh: Present status, problems and management strategies. In: P. Santra et. al (Eds), Book of Abstract for Conference on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Challenged Agro-Ecosystem. Arid Zone Research Association of India (Jodhpur, Rajasthan), p 33
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