Ladakh Requests Centre's Nod for 36 Check Dams to Boost Irrigation

Ladakh has formally submitted a request to the central government for permission to build 36 check dams across the union territory. The proposed structures are intended to capture and store melt‑water and rainfall, thereby increasing the water available for agricultural use in the high‑altitude region.

State officials say that expanding irrigation capacity is crucial for improving crop yields and reducing farmers' dependence on erratic monsoon patterns. If approved, the check dams would be strategically placed in valleys and river basins to maximize water retention.

The proposal underscores Ladakh's broader effort to strengthen its agrarian sector and enhance food security for local communities. The Union Ministry of Water Resources is expected to review the request in the coming weeks.