Artificial glacier brings relief to Ladakh’s Kulum village

Leh, April 15: The residents of Kulum Village in Leh district of Ladakh have found a reason to rejoice with the implementation of an innovative artificial glacier project.
Responding to the pressing water scarcity issues in the region, this pioneering initiative has significantly bolstered water preservation for agricultural purposes, marking a transformative impact on the local community.
The project leverages the indigenous topography and climate to engineer an artificial glacier. Winter stream water is channelled into shallow basins where it freezes, forming the glacier. As temperatures rise during the warmer months, the ice gradually melts, ensuring a consistent water supply crucial for sustaining agriculture.
Local inhabitants have lauded the project for its tangible benefits, particularly in enhancing irrigation practices and fostering crop growth.
“This artificial glacier has revolutionized our lives,” remarked a farmer from Kulum Village. “Now, even during the dry spells, we have an ample water supply to nurture our crops.”
Beyond its agricultural significance, the artificial glacier serves as a linchpin in maintaining the overall water security of the village. The gradual melt-off during summer furnishes water for drinking and domestic usage, further enhancing the community’s resilience against water scarcity.
Environmental advocates have commended the project for its eco-friendly approach and its potential applicability in analogous water-stressed regions.
“This initiative epitomizes the fusion of traditional wisdom and contemporary technology to address local challenges,” noted a seasoned environmentalist.
The genesis of the project lies in the construction of a conical ice structure, colloquially known as an ‘ice stupa.’
During the winter freeze, water is sprayed onto a framework, allowing it to crystallize and form a towering ice edifice, emblematic of nature’s resilience and human ingenuity.
As Ladakh’s Kulum Village continues to reap the dividends of this visionary endeavor, the success of the artificial glacier project resonates as a testament to the power of community-driven solutions in confronting environmental adversities.