Rs 56-Crore Proposal Eyes 18,600 Acres Under Assured Irrigation as Pilot Rock Dams Deliver Promising Results
The Ladakh administration has submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti seeking approval for 36 check dam projects across the Union Territory, aimed at strengthening water security and expanding irrigation coverage.
The proposal, cleared on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, includes seven Himalayan Rock Check Dams in Leh and 29 RCC check dams and weirs in Kargil, at an estimated cost of over Rs 56 crore. It has been sent to the Centre for inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
According to the detailed project report, the proposed dams would harness untapped water from the Indus and Suru rivers, bringing over 18,600 acres of land under assured irrigation. The Kargil dams were proposed after L-G Saxena’s recent visit to the region, where villagers flagged an acute water crisis despite Ladakh’s abundant glacial reserves — currently, less than 1% of annual snow and glacial meltwater is utilised.
Pilot rock check dams have already shown encouraging results, storing 25-30 million litres of water and withstanding a sharp rise in river flow, from 25 cusecs in May to nearly 200 cusecs in August. The pilot structures have also expanded cultivable command areas by up to 30%.
Saxena discussed the initiative with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in May, receiving assurances of ministry support. Six Him Sarovars and five rock check dams have been completed so far under his tenure.
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