Water Management Technologies in Ladakh’s Cold Arid Region: Climate Impacts and Adaptive Strategies - A Field Documentation Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53550/ijsc.v53.i3.204Keywords:
Artificial glaciers, Climate change, Ladakh, Sustainable agriculture, Water managementAbstract
Ladakh, a high-altitude cold arid region in the trans-Himalayan zone, faces escalating water scarcity due to climate change, marked by glacial retreat, reduced snowfall, and warming trends. This field documentation study synthesizes traditional and modern water management technologies—zings, kuhls, artificial glaciers, ice stupas, and polyhouses—to address these challenges in Leh and surrounding areas. Drawing on field observations (2022-2024), statistical climate analysis (1901-2023), and community insights, it evaluates technology performance and socio-economic impacts. Statistical analysis using Mann-Kendall tests (τ=0.18-0.32, p < 0.05) confirms significant warming trends (0.02-0.21°C year-1), while precipitation shows pronounced decline (-7.9 mm/year, 1990-2020) with increased drought frequency (SPI <-1 every 5- 7 years). Field surveys demonstrate that traditional technologies (zings, kuhls) increase irrigation coverage by 20-30%, while modern innovations (artificial glaciers, ice stupas, polyhouses) extend growing seasons and boost yields by 20-40%. However, challenges include groundwater depletion (1-2 m annually), contamination (70% of aquifers), high technology costs (₹13.5-75 lakh), and tourism-driven demand surges (10-15% in 2023). Sustainable strategies, including wastewater recycling, kuhl lining, technology subsidies, and policy reforms like water pricing, are proposed to enhance resilience. Comparisons with global arid regions underscore Ladakh's unique community-driven approach. This synthesis advocates integrating traditional practices with modern innovations to ensure water security in Ladakh's fragile ecosystem.
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