VoL Desk, Oct. 23: As per Order No: 01 of 2023/FEE/UTL dated 23-10-2023, the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh has proudly declared “Juniperus semiglobosa (Juniper Tree/Ladakhi – Shukpa)” as the official State Tree of Ladakh. This significant announcement was made by Dr. Vasanthakumar Namasivayam, IAS, Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, UT of Ladakh.

State trees and flowers are emblematic of a region’s identity, symbolizing its unique cultural and ecological heritage. In India, each state takes pride in its distinct climate, art, culture, clothing, and food habits, reflected in the symbols chosen to represent them.

This declaration marks a pivotal moment for Ladakh, being the first time the region, now a Union Territory, has chosen its own State Tree. Previously, in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, the State Tree was Chinar, and the State Flower was Lotus.

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The decision follows the recommendations made in May by a committee chaired by the Director of Sowa Rigpa in Leh. The committee proposed “Juniper polypros (Ladakhi-Shuk-Pa)” as the State Tree and “Meconopsis aculeata (Himalayan blue poppy/Ladakhi Tser-sNon)” as the State Flower of Ladakh, further enriching the territory’s cultural and natural heritage.”

The Juniper Tree, locally known as Shukpa, is a rare native species in Ladakh’s cold desert, thriving in the mountain slopes, ridges, and valleys of Middle, Northern Western, and Southern Ladakh. Found in districts like Leh (including Da, Hanu, Turtuk, and more) and Kargil (covering Aryan valley, Kargil town area, Sankoo, Drass, and Zanskar), Shukpa holds immense cultural significance. It plays a central role in religious ceremonies across Kargil and Leh districts.

Despite its cultural importance, the high demand for Shukpa has led to the severe depletion of this native tree. The Forest Department’s report highlights significant anthropogenic influences, including cultural traditions and ignorance, adversely affecting the environment where juniper trees grow. These influences have jeopardized the species’ survival and regeneration, highlighted a recent report.

Juniper’s fragrance, emitted when its leaves, twigs, and branches are burned, is essential for religious rituals, social gatherings, and welcoming guests. Particularly during the festive season of Losar, the demand for juniper twigs skyrockets. This surge has resulted in unsustainable harvesting and smuggling, pushing the species to the edge of degradation. Villagers in Garkhone express concerns, believing that the heightened demand during festivals leads to smuggling, causing irreparable harm to the trees beyond their capacity to recover.