Ladakh's Dying Lake Gets New Life From Glaciers

Tso Kar, a prominent high-altitude lake in Ladakh, has experienced a drastic reduction in size, losing approximately 70% of its area over the past decade. To combat this decline, the Union Territory administration has initiated a significant project to channelize glacier water into the lake, aiming for its complete revival within a year.

The Rupsho Kharnak glacier stream, located at an altitude of around 18,045 feet, will be the primary source of water. This stream, estimated to carry up to 132 cusecs daily during summer, will be diverted towards Tso Kar through a series of natural depressions using gravity. This method avoids the need for extensive new construction, following ecological advice.

The project involves utilizing three natural depressions, which will effectively become new freshwater wetlands. Sediments will settle here before the water reaches the main lake. This intervention is also expected to create additional habitats for migratory birds and potentially emerge as a new tourist attraction visible from the nearby Leh-Manali Highway.

The shrinking of Tso Kar has directly impacted local communities, particularly Pashmina goat herders who have faced shrinking grazing grounds. The revival of the lake is anticipated to restore these grasslands, bringing economic benefits to the surrounding communities. The project, which began on September 2, is a pioneering effort in India for high-altitude lake restoration.