Leh, May 27: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, V.K. Saxena, inaugurated India’s first eco-friendly ‘Rock Check Dam’ on the Indus River in Upshi, Leh, on Wednesday. This initiative is part of the “Indus Water Prosperity Campaign,” aimed at enhancing long-term water security and sustainable agriculture in Ladakh by collecting nearly 40 million liters of water without using cement or concrete.
During a media interaction, Saxena expressed his delight, stating, “I am very pleased that I provided our officials with an idea regarding the Indus River, which is a very powerful river. We discussed how to stop the water where it is shallow. After that, we sat down with our officials, planned, chose this location, and today I am happy to say that this is the country’s first rock check dam built without using concrete or cement.”
He explained that large stones around the river were lifted and interlocked to create the dam. At the time of construction, the water depth was about one to one and a half feet. Now, following the dam’s completion, the water depth at the edges has increased to approximately 4.5 to 5 feet, while the center measures between 10 to 12 feet. The area for water collection has expanded to about 500 meters, accumulating around 45 million liters of water.
Saxena noted, “The planning here has been executed exceptionally well, and the waterfall is the dam’s greatest beauty. If you look at the rivers throughout Ladakh, you typically do not find such a waterfall. This waterfall also creates a ‘cascading effect,’ and the sound of the water is very soothing.”
He invited many people to visit the check dam, stating that their suggestions would be welcomed. “The current check dam has been constructed using only our understanding and techniques. Any suggestions we receive for further improvement will certainly be implemented,” he added.
Leave a Comment