Top News Report
LEH, Apr 17: Just three weeks after his visit to Stok village on March 26, during which he had instructed the renovation of the reservoir at Phikar, Stok, the Lieutenant Governor of the UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inaugurated the first water body under Project Him Sarovar. He also operationalised the water body by releasing glacial melt into it. The operationalisation of the first water body comes just a week after the launch of Project Him Sarovar, which envisages the creation of small water bodies across Ladakh to conserve snowmelt and ensure long-term water security in Ladakh. Project Him Sarovar was launched on April 10.
During his visit to Stok, the Lieutenant Governor also announced adopting the village to develop it as a model village that is self-reliant, culturally vibrant, and sustainable. He further informed that Stok, along with Likir, is being envisioned as a model for holistic, sustainable rural development in Ladakh.
The water body has been created by restoring a heavily silted depression in the village. During his first visit to the site on March 26, the Lieutenant Governor had directed to clean, dredge and de-silt the depression. The depression was also stone-pitched by the administration with the active support of the locals to prevent the seepage of water. Spread over 1,824 sq mtr, the water body will hold nearly 35 lakh litres of water, benefiting approximately 150 hectares of land within its command area.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed satisfaction at witnessing the realisation of his vision, within a short span of three weeks, with the successful remodelling and operationalisation of the reservoir at Phikar, Stok. He stated that Stok village is leading the implementation of Project Him Sarovar, which will play a crucial role in ensuring water security and addressing water scarcity challenges in Ladakh. Describing it as a critical initiative, he called for active public participation to ensure its success.
Saxena informed that under Phase I of the project, 50 water bodies—30 in Leh and 20 in Kargil—are proposed to be developed, covering nearly 25 percent of villages in Ladakh. He further expressed optimism that nearly 50 percent of villages would be covered under Project Him Sarovar within a year. Emphasising the importance of scientific water management, he highlighted the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to address the growing challenges of climate change and water scarcity in the region. He stated that the project will serve as a shield against climate change while ensuring water security, and will stand as a model of convergence involving government departments, armed forces, and local communities.
Announcing the adoption of Stok village, the Lieutenant Governor remarked that he now considered himself a member of the village and assured full support for its sustainable and inclusive development. He emphasised that with active community participation, Stok can be developed into a premier tourist destination. Saxena also launched work on block-paving the roads in Stok and noted that the proposed infrastructure improvements, including paving roads with blocks on both sides, would enhance the village’s aesthetic appeal and provide a clean, dust-free environment for visitors.
He further stated that tourists visiting Stok should return with a memorable and enriching experience of Ladakhi hospitality, emphasising the importance of treating visitors as part of the community. He outlined key focus areas for developing Stok as a model village, including promoting organic farming, harnessing solar energy, and strengthening tourism infrastructure.
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