Northlines Desk
Leh, May 4: Vinai Kumar Saxena met C. R. Patil in New Delhi to review and accelerate key water resource, irrigation, and flood management initiatives aimed at strengthening water security in Ladakh.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted Project Him Sarovar, an ambitious initiative launched by the Union Territory administration to conserve snow and glacial meltwater by constructing decentralized storage systems. In its first phase, 50 water storage ponds are being developed across villages to capture and store runoff for irrigation during lean seasons.
The Union Minister appreciated the initiative and acknowledged its potential to address Ladakh’s unique water challenges. He assured that a committee of experts would be formed to examine the project’s technical aspects and explore ways to scale it further.
Saxena also invited the Minister to visit Ladakh to witness the region’s water management challenges and ongoing projects firsthand. Patil accepted the invitation and assured support from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, including a planned visit with experts and officials.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude for the sanction of ₹8.75 crore in central assistance for water-related projects in Ladakh. The funding is expected to enhance irrigation efficiency and optimize water usage in key command areas.
Additionally, Saxena outlined a comprehensive five-year plan focusing on water conservation, rejuvenation, and harvesting. The roadmap includes revival of traditional water bodies, modernization of irrigation canals, development of artificial glaciers and automated ice reservoirs, and promotion of drip irrigation and solar lift irrigation systems.
The meeting also reviewed major schemes supported by the Centre, including the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme under PMKSY, Flood Management and Border Areas Programme, and National River Conservation Programme.
Highlighting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, extreme climate, and dependence on glacial water sources, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need for sustained financial and technical support from the Government of India to ensure long-term water security and climate resilience in the Union Territory.
