Big threat was looming large on Zanskar, a remote area in Ladakh region when a massive landslide occurred at 13,000 feet altitude, over a major distributary of Zanskar River, located 100 km east of Padam in January this year. More than 30 million cubic meters of water had formed a 15 km long lake along the river. The far was that a sudden bursting of the landslide would cause unimaginable catastrophe due to flooding in Zanskar River, leading to submerging of villages, loss of livelihood and damage to life and property. Local people reported the matter to the army and administrative authorities in Ladakh, who in turn, contacted the Central Government. Central Government deputed a team of experts to take stock of things and suggest the devices to save the village and force exit of water.
We salute the Army engineers, Air Force, NDMA and State/ local administration that joined hands to execute the task of creating 75-meter long channel, two meter deep and two meter wide, with the help of controlled blasting using 175 kg of explosive. The task force worked relentlessly for five days in temperatures lower than minus 25 degree and high and chilly winds. It was a marvellous feat of engineering and that saved the threatened villages in Zanskar. Our engineers are capable of doing great things and we salute them, the work force and the planners who executed this crucial task. A major calamity is averted.
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