LEH, Sept 19: Ladakh’s innovative rock check dam initiative has shown promising results, with five eco-friendly structures built along the Sindhu River and its tributaries largely withstanding water flows exceeding 200 cusecs during the summer months.
The pilot project was launched on May 27, when the river’s flow was around 20 cusecs. The five check dams were constructed using locally available boulders collected from the riverbed, without cement, concrete or steel.
The initiative was conceived as a long-term measure to strengthen water security, agricultural sustainability and climate resilience in Ladakh.
During the peak summer period, the river’s flow rose to more than 200 cusecs, putting the structures under significant water pressure. As winter approaches, the flow has now fallen to around 30 cusecs.
An engineering team was recently deputed to inspect the five structures and assess their strength, stability and any damage caused by the high water flow.
The inspection found that the check dams had largely withstood the intense water pressure. However, a minor breach was reported in the first structure at Upshi near Leh, which is currently being repaired.
Engineers also observed that fine-quality washed sand had accumulated upstream, which further contributed to the stability of the rock structures.
The Ladakh administration said the pilot project would provide valuable technical experience for designing and constructing future check dams in the region.
The initiative has also received support from local communities, whose participation has been highlighted as an important part of efforts to address Ladakh’s water conservation and agricultural needs.
The administration said the experience gained from the pilot structures would help improve the durability, resilience and effectiveness of future water-management projects in the high-altitude Union Territory.
