Leh: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inaugurated a revitalised and rejuvenated Pond at Village Matho in Leh, under Project Him Sarovar, a flagship initiative aimed at ensuring long-term water security and agriculture sustainability across Ladakh. This is the third water body operationalised under Project Him Sarovar since its launch on April 10.
The project, inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of water conservation for future security, has been specially adapted to Ladakh’s unique geographical and climatic conditions, characterised by low precipitation, glacier dependency and increasing climate variability.
The revival of Matho Pond was taken up following the Lieutenant Governor’s visit to Matho village on April 17, 2026, when the pond was lying dead and filled with muck. Having interacted with villagers and upon their requests, the LG directed the concerned departments for revival and strengthening of the pond.
Implemented by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Leh, the project involved restoration, strengthening and enhancement of the existing traditional pond, through modern engineering interventions.
With the completion of the project, the pond’s storage capacity has been increased from 15 million litres to 25 million litres, creating an additional storage capacity of nearly 10 million litres. The reservoir will irrigate nearly 150 acres (1,200 kanals) of agricultural land and directly benefit around 90 farming households in Matho village. Water is supplied to the pond through diversion from the Matho Nallah, ensuring a reliable and sustainable source for irrigation throughout the agricultural season.
A key feature of the revitalised Matho Pond is its dual utility. While the reservoir will serve as a vital irrigation source during the summer months, ensuring reliable water availability for agriculture, it will be transformed into an ice hockey rink during winters, providing a dedicated sporting facility for local youth. The project, thus, seamlessly combines water conservation, agricultural sustainability and sports infrastructure, making it a unique model of optimal utilisation of public assets throughout the year.
Speaking on the occasion, L-G Shri Saxena highlighted that Project Him Sarovar was not merely about creating water bodies but about securing the future of Ladakh’s farmers while building climate-resilient and community-centric infrastructure. “The revitalised Matho Pond demonstrated how traditional water resources could be transformed into multi-purpose community assets. While the reservoir would ensure irrigation and strengthen agricultural livelihoods during the summer months, it would serve as an ice hockey rink during winters, encouraging sporting talent among the youth,” L-G Shri Saxena said
The L-G emphasised that efficient water management remains central to the Administration’s vision of sustainable development and agricultural prosperity.
The project included extensive civil works such as dredging and excavation of the pond bed, levelling and grading, construction of PCC retaining walls, stone pitching, slope stabilisation, strengthening of the outlet structure and protection works to improve durability, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
