KD NEWS SERVICE
LEH, March 14: In a major initiative aimed at addressing the growing water scarcity in the cold desert region of Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday directed the administration to prepare a comprehensive plan for the creation of at least 50 small water bodies across the Union Territory.
The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by the Lieutenant Governor with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was instructed to identify suitable locations for the proposed water bodies and prepare a detailed action plan within a period of 15 days.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at tackling the pressing water-related challenges faced by the people of Ladakh, particularly the farming community which depends heavily on limited water resources for irrigation in the region’s harsh climatic conditions.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the creation of these water bodies would provide a dependable and readily available source of water for irrigating agricultural fields, thereby supporting farming activities and strengthening rural livelihoods. Given the fragile ecosystem and arid nature of Ladakh, farmers often face difficulties due to inadequate water availability during crucial agricultural seasons.
Apart from irrigation needs, the proposed water bodies are also expected to support roadside plantation drives planned by the administration. The Lieutenant Governor noted that a large-scale plantation programme would soon be launched in mission mode across the Union Territory, and the availability of water sources near plantation sites would play a vital role in ensuring the survival and growth of newly planted trees.
According to the administration, the water bodies will be developed in consultation with local communities so that they can serve both agricultural and community needs effectively. The initiative will also focus on conserving rainwater and the melting snow that currently flows away unused every year. By capturing and storing this water, the administration aims to strengthen Ladakh’s water security and ensure better resource management.
In addition to their primary role in water conservation and irrigation, these water bodies are also expected to serve recreational and tourism-related purposes. The Lieutenant Governor observed that during winters, when the water bodies freeze due to the extreme cold conditions prevalent in Ladakh, they could be used for organising winter sports activities.
To facilitate such activities and improve public accessibility, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Chief Secretary to incorporate provisions for public amenities around the water bodies. These include parking spaces, eateries and other recreational facilities so that the locations can also serve as community spaces and tourism attractions.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the increasing impact of climate change on Ladakh’s fragile environment. He pointed out that the region is witnessing declining snowfall, receding glaciers, rising temperatures and a steady depletion of groundwater levels. These developments, he noted, are posing serious challenges to water availability and long-term sustainability in the high-altitude region.
He stressed that Ladakh, being a high-altitude cold desert, is particularly vulnerable to climate change and requires proactive and sustainable water management strategies to secure the future of its people. The proposed creation of water bodies, he said, is a crucial step toward mitigating these challenges.
The Lieutenant Governor further directed that the proposed plan should be holistic and scientifically designed, taking into account Ladakh’s unique geographical features, climate conditions and environmental sensitivities. Proper planning and execution, he said, would ensure that the water bodies effectively meet both agricultural and community requirements while protecting the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Reiterating the commitment of the Union Territory administration, the Lieutenant Governor said the government remains focused on implementing sustainable development initiatives that safeguard Ladakh’s environment while ensuring the welfare and livelihood security of its residents.
Officials said that once the plan is finalized, the project could significantly strengthen Ladakh’s water management infrastructure and provide long-term benefits to farmers, local communities and the region’s ecological balance.
