Water is the most essential resource for life, yet its availability and quality are becoming increasingly threatened in Leh due to rapid urbanization, climate change, and the growing demands of tourism. Once a region sustained by traditional water management practices, Leh is now facing severe groundwater depletion and contamination. Over the years, fields and farms in Leh have been replaced by mushrooming commercial establishments, drastically altering land use patterns. While modernization and development bring economic growth, they also accelerate environmental degradation. Age-old sustainable practices that once ensured water conservation have been largely abandoned, pushing the region into a water crisis.

One of the most significant shifts contributing to groundwater stress is the replacement of traditional dry compost toilets with Western-style water-based toilets. Traditionally, dry compost toilets helped recycle waste into manure while conserving water. However, with increasing modernization, people have moved toward flush toilets, leading to a dramatic rise in water consumption.

Additionally, many households and establishments have opted for soak pits instead of septic tanks. Unlike septic tanks, which are designed to prevent direct seepage of waste into the ground, soak pits allow wastewater to percolate freely into the soil, leading to groundwater contamination. Harmful pollutants, including heavy metals, nitrates, and bacteria like E. coli, are now commonly found in Leh’s groundwater.

As groundwater levels decline, the extraction of water through borewells has risen alarmingly. The convenience of borewells has led to their unchecked proliferation, further exacerbating the depletion of natural springs that once sustained the region.

According to official records, Leh had only 10 borewells in 1997. However, by 2020, this number had surged to 2,659—an average increase of 115 borewells per year. By 2025, this number is estimated to have grown even more drastically. The overuse of borewells not only reduces groundwater levels but also affects the recharge capacity of natural springs, leading to their gradual disappearance.

In response, the government has taken measures to curb illegal groundwater extraction. Deputy Commissioner Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, recently reviewed restrictions on borewell usage, which have been in effect since December 1, 2024. It was declared that using borewells without prior approval in restricted areas—including Gonpa Gangles, Sankar, Yourtong, Leh, Skara, Choglamsar, Saboo, Spituk, Phay, and Phyang—would be considered illegal. 

Dr. Lobzang Chorol, a researcher who has spent seven years studying Leh’s water quality, has highlighted alarming trends in groundwater contamination.

Dr. Lobzang Chorol, Researcher: My studies focus on groundwater quality, health risk assessment, and prediction. In Leh, 90% of the population depends on groundwater, but its quality is deteriorating, especially during the summer. This is a serious concern that demands urgent attention.

From 2017 to 2024, I collected water samples from 28 locations, extending from Gangles to the Airport, and found that groundwater quality is poor, posing significant health risks. One of the major factors behind this deterioration is the widespread use of dry soak pits instead of septic tanks. Due to a lack of awareness, many people have opted for soak pits without maintaining the necessary distance from borewells, increasing the risk of contamination.
Before digging a borewell, crucial assessments—such as soil quality testing—should be conducted to prevent contamination. The increasing number of hotels, guesthouses, and other establishments in Leh has also contributed to groundwater pollution. The use of detergents, toilet cleaners, and other chemicals has led to seepage into the groundwater. Additionally, the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides further degrades water quality.

One of the most concerning findings is the rising nitrate concentration in groundwater. Ideally, nitrate levels should not exceed 40 mg/liter, but in Leh, the concentration has already reached 60 mg/liter. In 2024, the nitrate concentration was 55 mg/liter, and projections indicate that it could rise to 75 mg/liter by 2030 if preventive measures are not taken. High nitrate levels are particularly harmful to children and pregnant women, increasing risks of methemoglobinemia (commonly known as "blue baby syndrome").

Additionally, the concentration of heavy metals such as Chromium and Cadmium—both classified as carcinogens—has been increasing over the past five years. Other harmful metals like iron and nickel have also been detected in significant amounts. The prolonged consumption of contaminated water can lead to severe health issues, including cancer, kidney diseases, and developmental disorders in children.

Another alarming trend is the improper disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Much of this waste is directly discarded into rivers and streams, gradually contaminating water sources. This practice must be addressed immediately to prevent further degradation of water quality.
Potential Solutions.

To mitigate the ongoing groundwater crisis, a multi-pronged approach is needed. Both governmental interventions and community participation are essential to reversing the current trends. The use of fertilizers and pesticides should be minimized. Converting soak pits to properly designed septic tanks is essential to prevent groundwater contamination. The availability of groundwater is meaningless if its quality is compromised.

Reviving traditional dry compost toilets, which are both sustainable and water-efficient, should be encouraged, especially as water scarcity becomes a growing concern. Additionally, guesthouses and hotels should be required to install water meters and implement mandatory greywater treatment systems. Introducing a water conservation fee can further promote responsible water usage among commercial establishments.

Preserving and reviving age-old traditions and customs is crucial for protecting water sources. In the past, communities maintained water bodies with reverence, often guided by cultural and religious beliefs. Reintroducing these practices can foster a sense of responsibility and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources.

Leh’s groundwater crisis is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. The combination of rapid urbanization, increased tourism, and unsustainable water use has placed immense pressure on groundwater resources. If the current trends continue, the region may face severe water scarcity and health crises in the near future.

However, through proactive measures—such as regulating borewell usage, improving wastewater management, reviving traditional practices, and promoting sustainable farming—this crisis can be mitigated. Both government authorities and local communities must work together to protect Leh’s groundwater for future generations.

Only by adopting sustainable water management practices can we ensure that this vital resource remains available for generations to come. The time to act is now.