Expressing a deep sense of satisfaction, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday said that the innovative rock check dams have borne encouraging results as a lasting solution for water and agricultural sustainability in the Union Territory.“Sharing with a deep sense of satisfaction that the innovative Rock Check Dams, conceived as a lasting solution for water and agricultural sustainability in Ladakh, have borne encouraging results,” the LG said.
He said the pilot project check dams successfully withstood the immense water pressure of over 200 cusecs during the peak summer months, providing an invaluable learning experience and the exact know-how to make all future projects completely foolproof.
“Starting May 27 this year, when the water flow in the river was around 20 cusecs, we’ve successfully built five cost-effective, eco-friendly rock check dams over the Sindhu River and its tributaries in just four months, using only locally sourced boulders from the riverbed, without using any cement/concrete or steel,” Saxena said.
“During peak summer, water flow was reported to be more than 200 cusecs. Now, with the start of winter, the water flow has drastically reduced to around 30 cusecs. An inspection team of engineers was sent recently to assess their stability, strength and any damage caused to these dams due to high water pressure,” he added.
He said that seeing the check dams successfully withstand the immense water pressure of more than 200 cusecs was truly encouraging.
The LG said that during the inspection, only the first of the five check dams, at Upshi near Leh, was reported to have suffered minor damage, which, he said, is being repaired.
During the inspection, it was also discovered that a fine-quality washed sand deposit upstream had further enhanced the stability of the rock check dams.
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support from our local communities in this endeavour. We remain deeply committed to working towards holistic development, water security and climate resilience to ensure a brighter, sustainable future for Ladakh!” the LG concluded in a post on his X handle.
