Leh, 05 February 2026: The Chief Secretary UT-Ladakh, Shri Ashish Kundra, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the performance and progress of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Departments.
During the meeting, Administrative Secretary, PHE, Rahul Sharma, presented a detailed overview of the objectives, as well as the physical and financial progress achieved under the State Development Programme (SDP). The presentation highlighted key achievements, ongoing works, and future priorities of the PHE Department.
The meeting deliberated extensively on departmental targets and challenges, with a special focus on water conservation strategies.
Various traditional and innovative water conservation techniques were discussed, including the construction of percolation tanks, ponds and reservoirs, rejuvenation of Ponds rzings, and the revival and upgradation of existing irrigation canals.
Emphasis was laid on adopting sustainable practices suited to Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.
The review also covered the status of solar-based lift irrigation systems and completed irrigation projects.
The Chief Secretary examined the long-term vision of the I&FC Department, including proposed and tentative schemes aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving water availability across the region.
In addition, Shri Kundra reviewed irrigation census data, tunnel canal projects, and the overall status of completed and ongoing schemes under the National Water Mission (NWM), including Jal Sanchay and Jal Bhagidari. Proposed projects under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) were also discussed. The meeting further reviewed plans for the proposed 24×7 water supply projects in Leh and Kargil towns.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), detailed discussions were held on rural water supply schemes, water quality monitoring mechanisms, and operation and maintenance (O&M) objectives to ensure sustainable and reliable drinking water services.
The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of timely implementation, inter-departmental coordination, and outcome-oriented planning to enhance water security and irrigation infrastructure in the Union Territory and ensure efficient utilisation of resources for long-term benefits to the people of Ladakh.
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer, PHE/I&FC; DC, Kargil; CPO, Leh and Kargil via online; SE, PHE/I&FC Circle Leh and Kargil; Ex. En., PHE (Leh, Kargil and Zanskar divisions); I&FC (Kargil and Leh); Igoo Phey Division; AD, Planning, PHE/I&FC and RDD; AEEs, PHE/I&FC divisions, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar, and JJM PMU.
