Hydro-Climatic Trends and Dynamics of Water Availability in Leh (Ladakh): Implications for Sustainable Water Resource Management

Abstract

The cold arid region of Ladakh, situated in the Trans-Himalayan zone, faces significant water resource challenges due to climate change, characterized by warming trends, reduced snowfall, and glacial retreat. This study investigates long-term trends in snowfall and temperature anomalies over the period 1984-2024 using non-parametric statistical techniques. The Mann-Kendall test revealed a significant decreasing trend in snowfall and a concurrent significant increasing trend in temperature anomalies. Sen’s slope estimator indicated a decline in snowfall at a rate of approximately 7-8 cm yr^-1 and a warming rate of about 0.03°C yr^-1. The study further investigates the impacts of climate variability on water availability, agricultural productivity, and socio-economic sectors in Ladakh, with a focus on Leh. Despite abundant glacial resources, Leh experiences a water management crisis driven by over-reliance on groundwater, inequitable water access, and inefficiencies in supply systems. Innovative technologies such as Zings (local glacier water harvesting and storage structure), artificial glaciers, polyhouses, and Kuhl (field irrigation channels) lining are evaluated for their efficacy in mitigating water scarcity. The research highlights the need for sustainable water management practices, including wastewater treatment, groundwater recharge, and responsible tourism, to ensure long-term resilience. Findings underscore the urgency of integrating traditional and modern strategies to safeguard Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and economy under changing climatic conditions.