Deputy Commissioner Santosh Sukhdeve convened a meeting with relevant departments to assess the enforcement of measures against illegal groundwater extraction in Leh, initiated on December 1, 2024.

As per official reports, 40 to 50 borewell machines are currently operational in the district. The DC had previously declared borewell use without prior approval in restricted areas—such as Gonpa Gangles, Sankar, Yourtong, Leh, Skara, Choglamsar, Saboo, Spituk, Phay, and Phyang—illegal. These restrictions apply uniformly to commercial, government, and defense sectors.

In the meeting, the DC emphasized the penalties for violations, including machine seizure, fines, and registration cancellations. He mandated that all borewell machines must be equipped with GPS tracking systems by the end of March 2025 to monitor their operations.

Additionally, emergency or essential use of borewells will require prior approval from the DC, along with proper justification. Owners of multiple borewell machines must also register their equipment with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance.

These steps aim to regulate groundwater extraction and promote sustainable water resource management in the Leh district.