Over 20 youths have constructed the artificial glacier in Hongo village of Kinnaur district on the Indo-Tibetan border.
In the cold desert of Kinnaur district, located in the Trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, young tribal individuals have taken a unique approach to address the persistent issue of water scarcity.
Despite the absence of significant snowfall this winter, over 20 youths in Hongo village have successfully constructed an artificial glacier to ensure water availability in the summer.
Hongo village, situated at an elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level, grapples with water scarcity during the summer months. This region, along with Leh and Kargil in Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, is part of the cold desert landscape facing environmental challenges.
Innovative Solution Inspired by YouTube Videos
Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing an unusual dry spell for the past three months, marking the first time in two decades without any snow or rain in January. In 2007, the state recorded a -99% drop in rainfall. The absence of precipitation this year, combined with increased maximum temperatures, raised concerns about water scarcity.
The initiative to build the artificial glacier was conceived just a week ago by these enterprising youths. Remarkably, they relied on instructional videos found on YouTube to guide them in constructing a glacier that now spans over 50 meters.
Surendra Singh Negi, one of the youths involved in creating the artificial glacier, highlighted the changing patterns of rainfall and snowfall in recent years. As horticulturists and pea farmers, water scarcity during summers results in substantial losses for the villagers. With no snowfall this year, the decision to construct an artificial glacier emerged as a preemptive solution to the impending summer water scarcity.
The team, consisting of Anu Negi, Thupten, Tsering Dorje, Pradip Negi, Sagar Negi, and Tenzin, shared the process of creating the glacier. They transported water from a natural source to a secluded, shaded nullah using a pipe. By attaching an agricultural sprinkler to the pipe, the water dispersed over the nullah, freezing into ice due to the low temperatures in the region during winter.
Kamal Prakash Negi, the deputy head of the Hongo Panchayat, commended the initiative by the youths. Recognizing the difficulties villagers face in ensuring water for cash crops during summer scarcity, he highlighted the potential of artificial glaciers in storing water for extended periods, serving as a valuable resource in times of need.
The enthusiastic team expressed their intention to construct more artificial glaciers in suitable locations, ensuring an adequate water supply during summer. Their approach, using locally available resources and simple techniques, presents a viable alternative for addressing water scarcity in high-altitude, cold desert regions like Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti.
Positive Takeaway
The efforts of the Kinnaur youth in creating an artificial glacier are highly commendable. Facing water scarcity due to changing weather patterns, their proactive and innovative approach, using online resources like YouTube, is both inspiring and practical. This initiative not only provides a timely solution but also underscores the resilience of local communities in the face of environmental challenges.
It’s a testament to the positive impact that community-driven innovation can have in addressing pressing issues like water scarcity, even in the absence of traditional weather patterns. Overall, the story of these youths in Kinnaur is a hopeful example of human ingenuity and collaborative efforts in the face of environmental adversity.
