Vinai Kumar Saxena Inaugurates High-Altitude Irrigation Canal at 14,000 Feet in Ladakh

Lieutenant Governor of the Ladakh Mr. Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the high altitude irrigation canal in the remote Changthang region. This canal was built at an elevation of more than 14,000 feet. The newly completed Mahey Tokpo-Raldho irrigation canal is expected to improve the water availability for agriculture in India’s one of the harsh place. A

Mahey Irrigation Canal

The newly inaugurated 2.10-kilometre Mahey Tokpo-Raldho irrigation canal represents the major engineering achievement in the difficult Himalayan terrain.

The canal has been designed to bring the water from Yaya Lake to agricultural fields in the Mahey area and creating a more reliable irrigation source for local communities.

This is specially important because farmers in the Changthang have long depended on,

• Seasonal glacier melt
• Traditional water channels
• Unpredictable water supply

With the climate uncertainty and irregular water flow becomes bigger concerns, so dependable irrigation infrastructure has become essential.

The project is expected to support nearly the 100 acres of agricultural land.

Why This Project Matters for Changthang

Changthang is one of the Ladakh’s most remote and ecologically sensitive regions.

Agriculture here is difficult due to the,

• Harsh weather conditions
• High altitude challenges
• Short farming seasons
• Limited water access

As water availability determines both agriculture and pastoral livelihoods in the region. The newly constructed canal will reduces the dependence on uncertain glacier fed irrigation and it offers a more structured water distribution system.

Revival of Project After Many Delays

This canal project was began in 2022-23 but the construction progress remained slow.

By the March 2026, only 1,250 metres of construction had been completed.

Officials said that the work had stalled because of administrative challenges.

After assuming the office on March 13, 2026, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena reviewed the project and instructed the officials to accelerate the pending work.

Following this intervention the remaining 850 metres were completed within just two months.

Engineering Excellence At 14,000 Feet

To build the infrastructure in Changthang is far from routine.

With the extreme weather, low oxygen levels, mountainous terrain and logistical constraints make the construction exceptionally difficult.

The canal has been built,

• 200 feet above the road
• With a 2 foot width and 2 foot depth
• Using PCC lining and breast wall protection

These structural measures are important for the durability, slope stability and resistance against extreme weather conditions.

15,000 Trees Plantation Drive

Along with inauguration he Lieutenant Governor also launched the mass plantation drive of 15,000 trees with local villagers.

The initiative focuses on the,

• Soil conservation
• Preventing land erosion
• Slope stabilization
• Ecological restoration
• Long-term environmental sustainability

In the fragile mountain ecosystems this type of interventions can play a major role to preserving land quality and supporting water retention.