Community-led initiative in Dalhousie combats erosion in moisture-prone zones

In a pioneering step towards environmental sustainability and climate resilience, the Dalhousie Forest Division has launched and successfully implemented the “Salix for Soil” campaign — an innovative, low-cost initiative aimed at combating soil erosion in moisture-prone zones.

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Launched in 2023, the campaign harnesses the natural properties of Salix (locally known as Badaah or Bewins) — a tree species with exceptional moisture absorption and soil-binding qualities. The initiative focuses on planting Salix poles in erosion-prone areas, especially along perennial streams during the monsoon season, to stabilise soil and curb land degradation.

“Soil is the foundation of life on Earth,” said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rajneesh Mahajan, underscoring the campaign’s significance. “It supports vegetation, regulates climate and sustains biodiversity. Yet this fragile top layer, which takes nearly 1,000 years to form just one inch, is vanishing rapidly due to extreme rainfall and shifting climatic conditions.”

He added that rising incidences of landslides and forest loss in recent years have caused significant damage to life and property, prompting urgent interventions.

While the Forest Department has long been engaged in soil conservation through afforestation, check dams and retaining structures, the “Salix for Soil” campaign stands out for its community-driven, eco-friendly and zero-cost approach.

Under the campaign, Salix poles are planted using a special technique during the rainy and winter seasons in high-moisture zones. This year, the campaign was conducted from June 24 to August 15, during which 13,545 Salix poles were planted across 72 perennial streams, with strong participation from local communities. Previously, 12,500 poles were planted in 2023 and 1,000 in early 2024. In 2025, the campaign is being formalised as a regular part of monsoon activities.

What sets this campaign apart is its unique planting technique: Salix branches — about four feet in length — are first soaked in flowing water for three days to trigger root development. These rooted poles are then planted in six to eight-inch-deep pits, with the soil firmly pressed around them to eliminate air pockets and ensure strong root anchoring.

Zero budget, maximum impact

DFO Mahajan highlighted that no additional financial input is required for the campaign. Instead, it thrives entirely on local community participation, reinforcing the idea that environmental stewardship need not come with a hefty price tag.

“This is a people’s movement rooted in the region’s ecology,” he said. “It’s a sustainable model that blends traditional knowledge with scientific insight.”

As the campaign is formalised into a regular monsoon-season activity, it is being hailed as a model for grassroots environmental action. It not only protects valuable soil but also strengthens local climate adaptation strategies and promotes biodiversity conservation.

In a time when climate change is reshaping landscapes and threatening fragile ecosystems, the “Salix for Soil” campaign stands as a powerful reminder that nature-based, community-led solutions can hold the key to a more resilient and balanced future.