Ladakh LG Saxena inaugurates rejuvenated T-trench water body at Gompa village in Leh
Leh, June 15
In a significant step towards sustainable water management and strengthening drinking water security in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday inaugurated the rejuvenated unique T-Trench Water Body at Spang-Jung in Gompa village, Leh.
The rejuvenated T-Trench, a historic spring-fed water source, is expected to directly benefit nearly 2,000 residents by ensuring enhanced water availability and improved groundwater recharge.
The project will significantly improve the discharge capacity of the source from 3 lakh Litres per Day before rejuvenation to 5 lakh Litres per day after restoration, thereby substantially augmenting the drinking water supply potential of the area.
Built in the 1980's, this spring-fed T-Trench was once the only source of drinking water supply for the entire Leh city. However, rapid urbanisation and unplanned development around it took a toll on this water source, and it was left redundant over the years. But after taking over as LG on March 13, Saxena directed the officials to take up the rejuvenation of this T-Trench in a mission mode.
As part of the rejuvenation initiative, several conservation measures have been undertaken, including protection of traditional water sources through environmentally friendly gabion stone masonry structures, which allow the seepage of water through their pores, thereby allowing groundwater recharge.
Further, heavily accumulated silt and debris were removed from it to restore natural water flow, apart from the installation of modern filtration systems to ensure safe and clean drinking water supply. The site has also been developed into an aesthetically designed public space.
Speaking on the occasion, L-G Saxena said that the rejuvenation of the T-Trench represents a reaffirmation of the region's age-old ethos of respecting and conserving water. He observed that Ladakh is increasingly facing the adverse impacts of climate change, including declining snowfall, receding glaciers, rising temperatures and depleting groundwater levels.
"Addressing the water crisis requires adoption of sustainable water management practices, preservation of traditional water systems and development of new mechanisms for water harvesting and conservation. The project aligns with the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding water conservation and the Jal Jeevan Mission, under which water conservation and augmentation have been identified as one of the greatest legacies for future generations," LG Saxena said.
The T-Trench Water Source Conservation Project aims to safeguard, restore and revitalise drinking water sources, improve groundwater recharge and water quality, and transform the site into an attractive recreational and educational space.
The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to the people of Ladakh to actively participate in protecting and maintaining the rejuvenated water body, emphasising that water conservation efforts can succeed only when they evolve into a people's movement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some practical climate adaptation in Ladakh! The traditional water systems they've revived are brilliant - allows groundwater recharge through gabion walls instead of concrete. We need more such nature-based solutions across Himalayan states. Kudos to the local team who did the actual work! 👏
Impressive numbers - increasing capacity from 3 lakh to 5 lakh litres per day directly helps 2,000 people. But where's the transparency on actual costs? Also, what about villages outside Leh? Real change will come when every cold desert village gets such restoration, not just when VIPs come visiting.
My grandparents in Leh tell me how this T-trench was their lifeline before piped water. Seeing it revived is emotional! The 'aesthetically designed public space' part is good but I hope they kept traditional Ladakhi architecture style. One concern: modern filtration systems need trained operators - is there a maintenance plan beyond the inauguration?
Visiting Ladakh next month, this is encouraging! Happy to see Indian authorities reviving traditional water wisdom in the cold desert. The link to PM's Jal Jeevan Mission is smart policy alignment. Would love to see technical data on how much groundwater recharged - that's the real test of success. Sustainable tourism starts here.
I appreciate the focus on 'people's movement' for water conservation - that's how real change happens in Ladakh's community-driven culture. But let's be honest: will the LG's appeal reach actual villagers? Most of them already conserve water out of necessity for generations. Maybe listen to their traditional knowledge more than bringing Delhi-style
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