No groundwater to be used for construction work in Ladakh: Adviser

Adviser to the Ladakh L-G, Pawan Kotwal, chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of key projects under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department.

The meeting primarily focused on implementing 24x7 water supply schemes for Leh and Kargil towns, along with other initiatives related to water management in Ladakh.

During the meeting, the Adviser reviewed the status of various ongoing and completed projects under PHE & I&FC. He took stock of the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), tendering processes and the implementation of water supply schemes.

A detailed discussion was held on groundwater management in Ladakh, covering aspects such as groundwater extraction levels, categorisation of both Leh and Kargil districts, and assessments conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Reports from the Central Ground Water Authority regarding groundwater availability and sustainability in the region were also analysed.

Kotwal issued strict directives that no groundwater shall be used for construction purposes, emphasising the importance of conserving groundwater resources for drinking and essential needs.

The Adviser also instructed the concerned departments to conduct water testing and sampling in both districts, especially in tourist destinations, to ensure safe drinking water for both residents and visitors. He stressed that maintaining water quality in high-tourist footfall areas is crucial for public health and tourism sustainability.

In a significant move to promote Ladakh’s natural water resources, Kotwal directed the officials to identify ten equidistant spots in Domkhar village, known for its clean water in UT Ladakh. He further said that practical measures will be taken to convert Dhomkhar as a tourism village by testing of water and other basic amenities which are required for the visitors or tourists.

He emphasised the need to highlight the pristine quality of Ladakh’s water sources and instructed that water testing should be conducted carefully along the entire stretch from the highway to the last village of Domkhar to ensure its purity.

The meeting also reviewed the utilisation of surface water resources and irrigation canal projects, focusing on their role in meeting the agricultural and drinking water needs of the region. The status of projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission was assessed, with discussions on the progress made in providing functional household tap connections in rural areas. The functioning of the State Water Resources Regulatory Authority (SWRRA) was another key point of discussion, with emphasis on policy measures required for effective water governance.

Furthermore, the Adviser examined the physical progress of major projects under the Special Development Package (SDP) and the state sector. He reviewed the implementation of key water conservation schemes approved under the SDP, including solar water lift irrigation projects.