Project BOLD in Leh

Project BOLD in Leh

Part of: GS Prelims

In news: The Project BOLD (Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought) of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has received the Indian Army’s support in Leh.

• On August 15, Army planted 20 bamboo saplings at its compound in Leh.
• This is the first-ever attempt to grow bamboo trees in the high Himalayan terrains with the objective of preventing land degradation and developing green cover.
• While this will create sustainable income for the local tribal population; it will also contribute to the environment and land protection.

 About Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought (BOLD):

• The initiative aims to create bamboo-based green patches of land in arid and semi-arid zones.
• It is launched by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
  • It is a statutory body established under KVIC Act, 1956 and functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
  • It is charged with the planning, promotion, organisation and implementation of programmes for the development of Khadi and other village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.
• Reasons for Selecting Bamboo:
  • It grows very fast and in about three years’ time, they could be harvested.
  • It is also known for conserving water and reducing evaporation of water from the land surface, which is an important feature in arid and drought-prone regions.
• Significance:
  • It will reduce desertification and provide livelihood and multi-disciplinary rural industry support.
  • It will also act as haven of sustainable development and food security.
• The first project BOLD was launched on June 4 from the tribal village Nichla Mandwa in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

 News Source:  PIB