Leh: Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday inaugurated a newly created water body under Project Him Sarovar at Spituk Pharka here, paving the way for the commencement of agricultural activities in the region after ages, an official said.
This is the first of the four water bodies being created at the site under Project Him Sarovar. Another three water bodies are nearing completion and will be operationalised soon, a spokesperson of the Lok Bhavan said.
Saxena, immediately upon assuming charge as LG Ladakh on March 13, had adopted a mission-mode approach to address Ladakh’s water scarcity challenges and strengthen long-term water security in the region and conceptualised Project Him Sarovar.
Project Him Sarovar was launched by Saxena on April 10.
The water body at Spituk Pharka, at an altitude of 11,500 feet, has been completed and inaugurated in just 60 days. The newly created reservoir is expected to benefit thousands of farmers by ensuring an adequate water supply to irrigate agricultural fields in the Spituk area, which has been barren for ages.
Measuring 60X40 metres and two metres deep, this pond can hold lakh litres of water for long-term water security in the region, the spokesperson said.
The locals, led by the Numberdar (village head), expressed sincere gratitude to the LG, saying this initiative was unprecedented in Ladakh and would help ensure water and agricultural security and sustainability in the high-altitude villages of Ladakh.
Reflecting on his 100-day journey, Saxena, while addressing the gathering, described Project Him Sarovar as a historic initiative and the result of collective efforts towards efficient water management, climate resilience and prosperity of the people of Ladakh.
He observed that in a region where water availability has become one of the most pressing challenges, the project represents a practical and scientific solution to strengthen water security and safeguard livelihoods.
Saxena expressed satisfaction that the reservoir, initially scheduled for completion in 90 days, had been completed in two months, reflecting the dedication, sincerity and hard work of engineers, field staff and local communities.
The Lt Governor noted that the completion of the reservoir on the day he completed one hundred days in office was symbolic of the Administration’s commitment to translating vision into action and delivering tangible benefits to the people in a time-bound manner.
Noting that the true strength of Ladakh lies in its people, Saxena highlighted that meaningful development requires active community participation and collective ownership.
