SRINAGAR: Five rock check dams constructed along the Sindhu River and its tributaries in Ladakh withstood water flows of more than 200 cusecs during peak summer, with only one structure suffering a minor breach, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena said.
Sharing with a deep sense of satisfaction that the innovative Rock Check Dams, conceived as lasting solution for water and agricultural sustainability in Ladakh, have borne encouraging results.
Starting May 27 this year, when the water flow in the river was around 20 cusecs,… pic.twitter.com/wkcXjGEXqd
— LG Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) September 19, 2026
In a post on X, the Ladakh LG said the five check dams were constructed in four months from May 27 using locally sourced riverbed boulders, without cement, concrete or steel.
The projects were conceived as a long-term measure to support water and agricultural sustainability in Ladakh. When construction began on May 27, the river flow was around 20 cusecs, while it rose to more than 200 cusecs during peak summer.
With the onset of winter, the flow has since declined to around 30 cusecs, the LG said.
An engineering inspection team was recently deployed to assess the stability and strength of the structures and determine whether they had sustained damage during the period of high water pressure. The inspection found that all five dams had withstood flows exceeding 200 cusecs.
However, the first check dam at Upshi near Leh suffered a minor breach, the LG said, adding that engineers were repairing the damaged section.
The inspection also found deposits of fine washed sand upstream, which the LG said had further strengthened the stability of the rock structures.
Describing the installations as pilot projects, the LG said the initiative had provided technical experience that would help guide the design and construction of future check dams.
The LG also thanked local communities for their support and said the administration remained committed to water security, climate resilience and sustainable development in Ladakh.
