Srinagar, Oct 17: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has laid the foundation stones for two water reservoirs under Project Him Sarovar in Sodh block of Kargil district to address the acute water crisis that has affected agriculture and forced residents to migrate from their villages.
The two reservoirs, with a combined storage capacity of 60–70 lakh litres, are expected to be completed by the end of November, the Lieutenant Governor said.
The project envisages channelising nearby glacier streams to meet the water requirements of villages in the area, ensuring year-round water availability, supporting agricultural activities and helping revive rural livelihoods.
In a statement, posted on X, Saxena said he was deeply moved by the gratitude expressed by residents of Sodh, who had faced water shortages for years.
He said that during his visit to the area on September 2, 2026, along with Ladakh Member of Parliament Haneefa Jan, he had witnessed the severe water crisis that had affected local agriculture and forced villagers to leave their homes.
Following the visit, Saxena said he had directed the district administration to identify potential water sources, including nearby glacier streams, that could be channelled to villages to ensure a reliable water supply and sustain agricultural activities.
The reservoirs are expected to provide a sustainable solution to the region’s water shortage and help address migration caused by the lack of water for farming and other essential needs.
Saxena reaffirmed the UT administration’s commitment to people-centric development, stating that efforts were being made to secure a sustainable water supply and improve living conditions in remote areas of Ladakh.
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