Ladakh rolls out snow-harvesting project to tackle water scarcity
L-G Saxena launches the project with the start of excavation work for 50 water bodies simultaneously in Leh and Kargil
In a step towards ensuring long-term water security in the cold desert region, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday launched ‘Project Him Sarovar’. The initiative aims at scientific snow harvesting and the creation of water bodies to address water scarcity in the region.
The project focuses on harvesting snow and conserving snowmelt to strengthen water security across Ladakh, where water availability remains a critical concern due to its unique climatic and geographical conditions.
Saxena launched the project with the start of excavation work for 50 water bodies simultaneously in Leh and Kargil. Each water body, measuring 40x30 metres and 2 metres deep, is designed to store snowmelt and glacial melt that otherwise goes to waste, providing a reliable source of irrigation water.
Describing it as a historic initiative, the Lieutenant Governor said the project marks a decisive scientific intervention to tackle water scarcity in Ladakh, where water is a lifeline.
Soon after assuming office on March 13, Saxena had directed officials to identify locations and prepare an action plan for constructing 50 such water bodies. He said the project is directly linked to Ladakh’s water security and will address irrigation challenges faced by farmers dependent on limited resources.
The Lieutenant Governor added that the initiative would not only meet irrigation needs but also create sustainable livelihood opportunities. The project has been designed using scientific methods, keeping in mind Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. He said it aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of restoring 2.6 crore hectares of degraded land by 2030.
The project has received support from the Indian Army, ITBP, BRO, and local communities. Saxena lauded the people of Ladakh for their cooperation.
He informed that Project Him Sarovar has been conceptualised keeping in mind Ladakh’s unique geographical and climatic conditions. He also highlighted that these water bodies will be developed in consultation with local communities to ensure that they meet specific regional requirements. In addition to water conservation, the project will also support plantation efforts along roadsides and enhance green cover.
Addressing the broader environmental context, the Lieutenant Governor pointed out the visible impacts of climate change in Ladakh, including declining snowfall, melting glaciers, rising temperatures, and falling water tables. He stressed the urgent need for sustainable water management practices to mitigate these challenges.
The Lieutenant Governor also underscored the importance of preserving traditional irrigation systems while simultaneously developing modern water-harvesting and conservation mechanisms. He called for collective efforts to enhance Ladakh’s natural landscape by creating new “green and blue assets” that will contribute to long-term ecological balance.
