Advisor Dr. Kotwal reviews implementation of projects under PHE & I&FC Departments.

Leh, 06,2025: Advisor Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Conference Hall, UT Secretariat, Leh, to assess the progress of key projects under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department. The meeting primarily focused on implementing 24×7 Water Supply Schemes for Leh and Kargil towns, along with other initiatives related to water management in Ladakh.
During the meeting, the Advisor reviewed the status of various ongoing and completed projects under PHE & I&FC. He took stock of the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), tendering processes, and the implementation of 24×7 Water Supply Schemes. Special attention was given to the challenges in ensuring a continuous and sustainable water supply to Leh and Kargil towns, considering the region’s unique climatic and geographical conditions.
A detailed discussion was held on groundwater management in Ladakh, covering aspects such as groundwater extraction levels, categorization of both Leh and Kargil districts, and assessments conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Reports from the Central Ground Water Authority regarding groundwater availability and sustainability in the region were also analysed. Dr. Kotwal issued strict directives that no groundwater shall be used for construction purposes, emphasizing the importance of conserving groundwater resources for drinking and essential needs.
The Advisor also instructed the concerned departments to conduct water testing and sampling in both districts, especially in tourist destinations, to ensure safe drinking water for both residents and visitors. He stressed that maintaining water quality in high-tourist footfall areas is crucial for public health and tourism sustainability.
In a significant move to promote Ladakh’s natural water resources, Dr. Kotwal directed the officials to identify ten equidistant spots in Domkhar village, known for its clean water in UT Ladakh. He said that the village has a potential for tourist attraction footfall. He further said that practical measures will be taken to convert Dhomkhar as a tourism village by testing of water and other basic amenities which are required for the visitors or tourists. He emphasized the need to highlight the pristine quality of Ladakh’s water sources and instructed that water testing should be conducted carefully along the entire stretch from the highway to the last village of Domkhar to ensure its purity.
The meeting also reviewed the utilization of surface water resources and irrigation canal projects, focusing on their role in meeting the agricultural and drinking water needs of the region. The status of projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission was assessed, with discussions on the progress made in providing functional household tap connections in rural areas. The functioning of the State Water Resources Regulatory Authority (SWRRA) was another key point of discussion, with emphasis on policy measures required for effective water governance.
Furthermore, the Advisor examined the physical progress of major projects under the Special Development Package (SDP) and the State Sector. He reviewed the implementation of key water conservation schemes approved under the SDP, including solar water lift irrigation projects. The status of completed projects and ongoing initiatives under the SDP was also discussed in detail.
Dr. Kotwal directed the concerned departments to expedite the execution of all pending projects while ensuring strict adherence to quality standards. He underscored the importance of adopting modern and sustainable water management practices to address the long-term water security needs of Ladakh. The Advisor also highlighted the role of advanced technologies and renewable energy solutions in enhancing water supply efficiency, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department Sanjeev Khirwar; Administrative Secretary, PHE/I&FC Department, Micheal D’Souza; Deputy Commissioner, Leh Santosh Sukhdeve; Deputy Commissioner Kargil Shrikant Suse; Director, Urban Local Bodies, Ladakh Moses Kunzang; Chief Engineer, PHE/I&FC, Mohd Ali; Superintending Engineers, PHE/I&FC, Circles, Leh/Kargil; All Executive Engineers of PHE/I&FC Divisions of Leh & Kargil; Executive Engineer, Hydraulic Division, Zanskar, Kargil; Consultants of the Housing & Urban Development Department and concerned Officials of JJM-PMU/WASH PMU.