Impounded waters in Ladakh and energy harnessing potential was discussed in a meeting presided over by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur via video conferencing on February 6.
 
Alok Kirloskar, Managing Director, Kirloskar Brothers Limited with his team gave a presentation on their proposed technological design for Ladakh to explore the possibility of using existing indigenous irrigation ponds (Zing) for sustainable power and water supplies within the localities specially in winter season when limited water flows. This is a step to bring the traditional zings to meet the contemporary needs in a sustainable and scientific manner as envisaged by L-G Mathur.
 
R K Mathur asked the group to make field visits to check if their technologies can be feasible in typical conditions of Ladakh. He also stressed on the need to look at the possibility of recycling of pond water, use of temperature gradient technology and adding of the inbuilt water purification process in their proposed system. Also, he asked them to ensure supply pipes as per winter temperatures.
 
He thanked the Principal Scientific Advisor (O/o PSA) to the Prime Minister, Prof K Vijay Raghavan in facilitating the initiatives and discussion on this project concept. He also welcomed the offer made by Kirloskar Group to support the first pilot project from their CSR funds.    

Also, he spoke about promoting Astro Tourism in Ladakh and to set up a Dark Night Sanctuary at Hanley in Changthang on a pilot basis. He thanked the  PSA  office for setting up of Astronomy Labs at Kendriya Vidyalaya School in both Leh and Kargil. 

Mathur said that the education sector will be highly benefited by these labs. He impressed upon the need to provide this facility in more schools in Ladakh that will boost the interest and motivation of the students as well as teachers and Astronomy Tourism guides.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner/ Secretary A K Sahu, Dr. Shailja Vaidya Gupta, Senior Adviser/ Scientist 'H', Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Swapan Mehra, President Waste to Wealth Mission and his team.