Liveable, Inclusive and Resilient city in the Himalaya

Overall objective: Ladakh, at 13,000 feet high in the Himalayas is in difficult terrain for urban settlements. Magnified risks from climate change—floods, failed crops and landslides can decimate lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and the environment. 

This project will strengthen capacities of the local government, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) to make Leh, its prominent capital city and surrounding areas more environmentally friendly, and a symbol of resilient and sustainable urban development

Specific objective: LAHDC, with the support from Ladakh Ecological and Development Group (LEDeG) will 

– Train its officials and strengthen institutions to conceptualize and develop Leh as a resilient and liveable mountain city

– Prepare implementation plans to improve public services with high environmental impact (sewage treatment, waste management, green public spaces and transportation)

– Educate its 30,000 residents and 250,000+ tourists on issues around climate change 

Evaluation remarks 2021 (selected): 

– Officers & officials gained capacity to take decisions and undertake actions required to achieve the Leh 2030 Vision. The Intervention contributed to increased  liveability, environmental sustainability and resilience of the town. 

– The intervention prepared ground for needed infrastructures in the four sectors: integrated water management, solid waste management, traffic and air pollution, public spaces.

– The intervention’s outcomes appropriately addressed the needs of target groups and beneficiaries, including those of women/vulnerable groups.

– Complementary initiatives with synergies with the Intervention were identified. However, no formal government led coordination mechanism exists to avoid the occurrence of duplication, repetition and overlapping by implementing partners, stakeholders and donors.