LADAKH News & Analysis

Ice Pyramids in Ladakh Address Water Scarcity Issues

The Himalayan village of Sakti, at an altitude of almost 4,000m, faces severe water scarcity due to retreating glaciers and harsh climate conditions. Last year, farmer Gelak Gutme lost his entire crop due to drought, highlighting the critical need for reliable water sources. Villages in Ladakh have developed ice stupas, where water is piped from higher regions and sprayed into the air to freeze, forming large ice structures to supply meltwater in spring. This innovative grassroots hydraulic engineering is crucial for maintaining agriculture in the region under challenging environmental conditions.