Marking 100 days in office, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday inaugurated a newly created water reservoir at Spituk Pharka in Leh under Project Him Sarovar, an initiative aimed at addressing Ladakh's chronic water scarcity and strengthening long-term water security in the Union Territory.
The reservoir, the first of four water bodies being developed at the site, is expected to facilitate agricultural activities in an area that has remained largely barren for decades due to lack of irrigation. The remaining three reservoirs are nearing completion and are expected to become operational soon.
Project Him Sarovar was launched by the Lieutenant Governor on April 10, shortly after he assumed office on March 13. The water body at Spituk Pharka, situated at an altitude of 11,500 feet, was completed in just 60 days against an initial target of 90 days. Officials said the reservoir will help ensure a steady supply of water for irrigation in the Spituk region and benefit thousands of farmers.
Measuring 60 metres by 40 metres with a depth of two metres, the reservoir has a storage capacity of nearly 60 lakh litres. Local residents welcomed the project, describing it as a significant step towards ensuring water availability, agricultural sustainability and long-term livelihood security in Ladakh's high-altitude villages.
Addressing a gathering after the inauguration, Saxena described Project Him Sarovar as a landmark initiative focused on efficient water management, climate resilience and sustainable development. He said the project offered a practical and scientific solution to one of Ladakh's most pressing challenges — water scarcity — while helping protect livelihoods dependent on agriculture.
The Lieutenant Governor said the completion of the reservoir on the day he completed 100 days in office reflected the administration's commitment to delivering results within fixed timelines. He also credited engineers, field staff and local communities for completing the project ahead of schedule.
Highlighting other initiatives undertaken during the past 100 days, Saxena said the administration had constructed the country's first Himalayan Rock Check Dam under the Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan and planned four more such structures. He also referred to the revival of the 43-km Igoo-Phey Canal and the 2.1-km Mahey Canal to improve irrigation and agricultural productivity in the region.
On environmental conservation, the Lieutenant Governor said over 35,000 saplings had been planted during the past 100 days to enhance Ladakh's climate resilience. He also cited measures aimed at promoting tourism, improving livelihoods and boosting economic development, including ease-of-doing-business reforms, digital delivery of government services, support for apricot exports, development of border villages and preparation of Ladakh's first Master Plan.
Saxena said the first 100 days were only the beginning and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing people-centric governance, sustainable development and environmental protection across Ladakh.