India has built its first rock check dam across the Indus River at Upshi in Leh, marking a major step towards improving water availability for farming communities in Ladakh.
Constructed entirely with natural boulders without cement, the dam has reportedly raised the river’s water level by nearly 10 feet. The project stores around 40 million litres of water and supplies nearby agricultural land through the Igoo Phey irrigation canal.
For years, farmers in the region faced difficulties during the spring sowing season as the Indus flowed through deep gorges, making it difficult to draw water for irrigation. The new infrastructure is expected to provide much-needed relief to dry farmlands and support local livelihoods.
The project also carries strategic importance as India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Authorities are now planning additional check dams across Ladakh.
The Ladakh Administration has proposed 36 check dam projects to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, including seven projects in Leh and 29 RCC check dams or weirs in Kargil, with an estimated investment of over ₹56 crore.