In Ladakh, the Vertical Automated Ice Reservoirs project has been introduced to ensure access to water and to mitigate the water scarcity of the region. Leh Hill Council has made it a government-supported scheme by allocating a budget under its Capex Budget from this current financial year.

The Automated Water Reservoir Project is a new innovation in water conservation started by the Leh Hill Council with the entrepreneurs by storing water during the winter season when water is not needed other than for domestic purposes.

To replicate this new innovation of artificial glaciers in other parts of Ladakh, the Union Territory Administration has also adopted it under the Special Development Package, a central financial assistance which is being given to Ladakh.

Executive Councillor for Agriculture of Leh Council Stanzin Chosphel told Akashvani that this project is the result of a year-long analysis and research on the availability of water in rural areas.

He further said steps are being initiated to promote the project to ensure accessibility of water during the dry season, as 40 villages of the Leh district in Ladakh have been found to be at risk of severe water scarcity in a survey.

Stanzin said the Ministry of Jal Shakti has acknowledged the project as a potential to create sustainable solutions to address water issues in Ladakh.

With the success of this project in identified villages, the Leh council is planned to propose at least 15 such projects during the upcoming financial year and will be promoted in collaboration with other parts of Ladakh.