Srinagar, Apr 12 — Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday launched ‘Project Him Sarovar’, a snow-harvesting initiative to address persistent water scarcity in the cold desert region, with excavation work for 50 water bodies beginning simultaneously in Leh and Kargil.
The project seeks to scientifically harvest snow and conserve snowmelt, creating a dependable water source for irrigation in a region where water availability remains limited due to climatic and geographical constraints.
Each of the proposed reservoirs will measure 40x30 metres with a depth of two metres, designed to store snowmelt and glacial runoff that would otherwise go unused. Officials said the stored water will support agriculture and ease irrigation challenges faced by local farmers.
Calling it a “historic initiative,” Saxena said the project represents a scientific intervention to tackle Ladakh’s water crisis. “Water is a lifeline in Ladakh, and this project is directly linked to ensuring long-term water security,” he said, adding that it would help farmers who rely on scarce natural resources.
The Lieutenant Governor said he had directed officials soon after assuming office on March 13 to identify suitable locations and prepare an execution plan for the reservoirs. He noted that the initiative would also generate sustainable livelihood opportunities alongside meeting irrigation needs.
He said the project has been designed with Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem in mind and aligns with broader environmental goals, including restoration of degraded land. “It is essential that we adopt scientific and sustainable methods suited to Ladakh’s unique conditions,” he said.
Saxena also pointed to visible impacts of climate change in the region, including declining snowfall, receding glaciers, rising temperatures, and falling water tables. “There is an urgent need to adopt sustainable water management practices to address these challenges,” he said.
The project has received support from the Indian Army, ITBP, BRO, and local communities. Saxena appreciated the cooperation of residents and said the reservoirs would be developed in consultation with locals to meet region-specific needs.
He added that, apart from water conservation, the initiative would contribute to increasing green cover through plantation along roadsides and the creation of new “green and blue assets” to support ecological balance.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of preserving traditional irrigation systems while integrating modern water-harvesting techniques to strengthen Ladakh’s long-term environmental resilience.