Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, marked the completion of 100 days in office by inaugurating a newly created water reservoir under Project Him Sarovar at Spituk Pharka in Leh on June 21. The initiative is expected to revive agricultural activities in the area and strengthen water security in the high-altitude region.

The reservoir is the first of four water bodies being developed at the site under Project Him Sarovar. The remaining three water bodies are nearing completion and are expected to be operational soon.

Soon after assuming charge as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on March 13, Saxena adopted a mission-mode approach to address the region’s water scarcity challenges and enhance long-term water sustainability. As part of this vision, Project Him Sarovar was conceptualised and launched on April 10.

The newly completed reservoir at Spituk Pharka, located at an altitude of 11,500 feet, was completed within 60 days. Measuring 60 metres by 40 metres and two metres deep, the water body has a storage capacity of nearly 60 lakh litres and is expected to provide irrigation support to agricultural fields in the Spituk area, which remained barren for decades due to water shortages.

Local residents, led by the Numberdar (village head), expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor, stating that the initiative was unprecedented in Ladakh and would significantly contribute towards water security, agricultural development and sustainable livelihoods in high-altitude villages.

Addressing the gathering, LG Saxena described Project Him Sarovar as a historic initiative aimed at efficient water management, climate resilience and the overall prosperity of the people of Ladakh. He said the project represents a scientific and practical solution to one of the region’s most pressing challenges—water availability.

Saxena appreciated the efforts of engineers, field staff and local communities for completing the reservoir ahead of schedule. He noted that the project, initially planned for completion in 90 days, was completed in just 60 days, reflecting the commitment and dedication of all stakeholders.

The Lieutenant Governor said the inauguration of the reservoir on the completion of his 100 days in office symbolised the Administration’s focus on converting vision into action and delivering tangible benefits to people within a time-bound framework.

Highlighting the importance of public participation, Saxena said that the true strength of Ladakh lies in its people and that sustainable development can only be achieved through community involvement and collective ownership.

Speaking about key achievements of the Administration, he highlighted the Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan, under which Ladakh’s first Himalayan Rock Check Dam has been constructed to improve water and agricultural sustainability. Four more check dams are planned under the initiative. He also mentioned the revival of the 43-kilometre Igoo-Phey Canal and the 2.1-kilometre Mahey Canal, which are expected to boost irrigation and agricultural productivity in high-altitude areas.

Reiterating his commitment towards environmental protection, LG Saxena said that preserving Ladakh’s fragile ecology remains a priority of the Administration. He informed that more than 35,000 saplings have been planted in the first 100 days, contributing towards a greener and more climate-resilient Ladakh.

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted initiatives undertaken to promote tourism, strengthen livelihoods and accelerate economic growth, including simplified licensing procedures for hotels and tour operators, digital integration of 23 government services across 13 departments under Ease of Doing Business reforms, agreements for export of Ladakhi apricots, livelihood support for border villages, development of Chumur under the Vibrant Village Programme and preparation of Ladakh’s first-ever Master Plan.