SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday laid the foundation stones for two water reservoirs at Barchay and Apati in Sodh tehsil of Kargil district, with a combined storage capacity of 60–70 lakh litres, to address water scarcity affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods.
The reservoirs are being developed under Project Him Sarovar and are expected to improve water availability for irrigation and households in the area, where shortages have affected agricultural activities and forced some residents to migrate from their villages.
Saxena directed the authorities to complete both reservoirs by the end of November. The project envisages channelising nearby glacier streams to provide a more reliable water supply to the villages.
During his visit to the area on September 2, 2026, the Lieutenant Governor had taken stock of the water shortage and its impact on agriculture and livelihoods. He subsequently directed the district administration to identify potential water sources, including nearby glacier streams, to improve the water supply.
Emphasising the need to ensure adequate irrigation facilities, Saxena directed Kargil Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar to take necessary measures to meet the water requirements of residents in the affected areas.
During the programme, Yourbaltak Councillor Manzoor Hussain submitted a memorandum highlighting developmental and public welfare issues concerning the constituency. The Lieutenant Governor assured residents that their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority.
The event was attended by Ladakh MP Mohmad Hanifa Jan, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, elected representatives, councillors and senior officials of the Union Territory administration and Kargil district.
