Leh, September 19, 2026: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has described the performance of five innovative rock check dams constructed along the Sindhu River and its tributaries as encouraging, terming the pilot initiative a potential long-term solution for strengthening water security and agricultural sustainability in Ladakh.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, construction of the five cost-effective and eco-friendly rock check dams began on May 27, 2026, when water flow in the river was around 20 cusecs. The structures were completed within four months using locally sourced boulders from the riverbed, without the use of cement, concrete or steel.
During peak summer, water flow reportedly crossed 200 cusecs. With the onset of winter, the flow has now declined to around 30 cusecs.
An inspection team of engineers was recently deployed to assess the stability, strength and condition of the structures following the high water pressure experienced during the summer months.
Saxena said the inspection found that the rock check dams had successfully withstood water pressure exceeding 200 cusecs during the peak summer period.
Of the five structures, the first rock check dam at Upshi near Leh sustained a minor breach. The damaged portion is being repaired by engineers, according to the Lieutenant Governor.
The inspection also found deposits of fine-quality washed sand upstream, which was observed to have further enhanced the stability of the rock structures.
The Lieutenant Governor described the pilot projects as an important learning experience that would provide technical know-how for improving and strengthening similar projects in the future.
He also acknowledged the support extended by local communities towards the initiative and reiterated the administration’s commitment to water security, agricultural sustainability, climate resilience and holistic development of Ladakh.
The rock check dams represent an effort to explore locally sourced, low-cost and environmentally conscious approaches to water management in the challenging Himalayan terrain of Ladakh.
