Leh/Jammu, Apr 17 (PTI) Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday inaugurated and operationalised the first artificial water body developed under the project Him Sarovar in the Union territory, marking a step towards water security in the region.
LG said that 50 water bodies—30 in Leh and 20 in Kargil—are proposed to be developed, covering nearly 25 per cent of villages in Ladakh.
The LG released glacial melt into the newly restored reservoir at village Phikar, Stok, making it functional barely a week after the launch of Project Him Sarovar, officials said.
The initiative aims to create a network of small water bodies across Ladakh to conserve snowmelt and address long-term water scarcity challenges, they said.
The reservoir has been developed by restoring a heavily silted natural depression, which was cleaned, dredged and stone-pitched with active participation of the local community to prevent seepage, they added.
Spread over 1,824 square metres, the water body has a storage capacity of nearly 35 lakh litres and is expected to benefit around 150 hectares of agricultural land.
On the occasion, the LG also announced the adoption of Stok village for its development as a model village, envisioning it as a self-reliant, sustainable and culturally vibrant settlement.
He stated that Stok, along with Likir, will serve as a benchmark for holistic rural development in Ladakh.
Expressing satisfaction over the execution of the Him Sarovar within three weeks of his visit on March 26, Saxena expressed confidence that the project would extend to nearly half of the villages in the Union territory within a year.
Highlighting the need for scientific and sustainable water management, Saxena said the initiative would act as a shield against the impacts of climate change while ensuring reliable water availability.
He underscored the importance of convergence between government agencies, armed forces and local communities for the success of the project.
He also launched work on block-paving of roads in Stok and emphasised promoting organic farming, solar energy utilisation and strengthening tourism infrastructure in the area. PTI AB AB AMJ AMJ
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