India has constructed a 10-foot-high check dam across the river at Upshi in Ladakh, as part of efforts to retain Indus river water for domestic use. The structure has been built using natural boulders without cement, according to reports.
The move comes after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. India has said the agreement will not be restored until Pakistan gives up cross-border terrorism.
With the treaty on hold, the Centre has stepped up work to channel water that would otherwise flow into Pakistan for use within India. Farmers in the region have faced difficulties for years due to low spring water levels and the outflow of water under the treaty, leading to dry fields and financial stress.
Officials say the new check dam can store up to 4 crore litres of water. The stored water is expected to be carried through irrigation canals to drought-prone villages for agricultural use.
The Ladakh administration is also planning similar check dams on the Indus, and work related to execution and funding is being expedited, the report said.
