Leh: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on a two-day visit to Ladakh reviewed key water conservation and livelihood initiatives, including the first rock check dam constructed on the Sindhu River at Upshi under the Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan.
During his visit to Upshi, the Vice President appreciated the eco-friendly and cost-effective intervention, which has been conceptualised and inaugurated last month under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena.
The project is aimed at augmenting water availability in shallow stretches of the Sindhu River, enabling farmers to irrigate fields during the critical sowing season.
He observed that such locally adapted solutions can play a vital role in strengthening water security in the high-altitude desert region while directly supporting agricultural livelihoods.
The Vice President also visited a Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi, where he reviewed ongoing efforts to conserve and promote Ladakh’s world-renowned Pashmina heritage. Interacting with officials and stakeholders, he noted that the Changthangi goats and their fine wool remain a defining symbol of the region’s cultural and economic identity.
He appreciated the farm’s role in promoting sustainable livestock management and enhancing livelihood opportunities, particularly for women engaged in Pashmina production and allied activities.
The initiative, he said, reflects a model of rural empowerment that combines traditional knowledge with scientific management to strengthen local economies.
Later, the Vice President visited the sacred Sindhu Ghat near Leh, where he offered prayers on the banks of the Sindhu River.
Describing the river as a timeless symbol of India’s civilisational continuity and cultural unity, he highlighted its enduring significance in the collective heritage of the region.
The visit underscored a broader focus on integrating environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and livelihood development in Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, with officials terming the initiatives an important step toward long-term regional resilience.
