Jal Shakti Minister to visit UT with experts
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 4: Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, called on the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi today and apprised him of various ongoing and proposed infrastructure development initiatives in the municipal areas of Ladakh.
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During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor briefed the Union Minister on key projects, including the establishment of decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs), 24×7 drinking water supply systems, and hydroelectric power projects. Highlighting the recent creation of five new districts, he emphasised the urgent need to address sewage management across all seven districts. He informed that small, decentralised blocks have been identified for setting up DSTPs, which are cost-effective, efficient, and well-suited to Ladakh’s unique terrain and dispersed habitation patterns.
Saxena stated that the UT Administration is committed to ensuring that no untreated sewage is discharged into rivers and streams, which are critical to Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem. He noted that the DSTP initiative would significantly contribute to ecological sustainability in high-altitude regions like Ladakh while remaining economically viable due to its low-cost design.
The Union Minister appreciated the initiatives such as establishment of DSTPs undertaken by the UT Administration and asked to submit a detailed proposal for the establishment of DSTPs in Ladakh to the Ministry for consideration.
Saxena also raised concerns regarding the inadequate water supply in Leh town. He informed that against a current demand of 8 MLD, only 3 MLD is being supplied. He highlighted a comprehensive proposal for augmentation of the water supply system at an estimated cost of Rs 56.04 crore. Of this, Rs 31 crore has already been sanctioned under the AMRUT scheme, while Rs 25.04 crore remains to be funded. He requested the release of the pending amount to strengthen the transmission systems, reservoirs, and distribution networks to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for residents.
On hydroelectric power development, the Lieutenant Governor discussed the potential for harnessing Ladakh’s resources to meet its energy needs. The Union Minister advised identifying suitable locations for hydroelectric projects to ensure electrification of all villages and to move towards making Ladakh power self-sufficient.
Khattar assured full support from the Government of India in implementing these critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban services and promoting sustainable development in Ladakh.
Meanwhile, LG Saxena during his meeting with the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Patil discussed various ongoing water resource, irrigation and flood management projects in Ladakh.
He apprised the Minister about the Project Him Sarovar, an ambitious initiative of the UT Administration launched recently in Ladakh, which aims at conserving the snow and glacial melt by constructing water bodies in villages.
The LG informed that 50 water storage ponds, in the first phase, are being constructed to harness and store snowmelt and glacial runoff.
Patil appreciated the initiative of the Lieutenant Governor in conceptualising Project Him Sarovar and acknowledged its potential in addressing Ladakh’s unique water challenges.
The Minister kindly that a committee of experts would be constituted to examine the technical aspects of the project and explore ways to further strengthen and scale it, to enhance water security in the Ladakh region.
Saxena also extended an invitation to the Union Jal Shakti Minister to visit Ladakh and witness firsthand the ongoing initiatives and the unique water management challenges of the region.
The Minister kindly accepted the invitation and assured the LG that he will visit Ladakh soon, along with the team of experts and officials.
The LG also thanked Patil for sanctioning Central Assistance of Rs 8.75 crore for various water-related projects in Ladakh, which would help improve irrigation efficiency and optimise water usage in command areas.
The LG further highlighted a comprehensive five-year plan for conservation, rejuvenation, and harvesting of water resources, including revival of traditional water bodies, upgradation of irrigation canals, creation of percolation tanks, artificial glaciers, automated ice reservoirs, solar lift irrigation systems and promotion of drip irrigation.
The Union Minister assured that all necessary support would be extended by the Ministry to Ladakh.
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