Ladakh struggled with water for years, then Sonam Wangchuk created ice stupa as reservoir

In Ladakh's arid Himalayan landscape, a revolutionary solution to water scarcity has emerged. Engineer Sonam Wangchuk pioneered the 'ice stupa,' an artificial glacier built in a conical shape. These towers store winter meltwater, releasing it gradually during the crucial spring planting season. This low-cost, energy-free innovation ensures vital irrigation for agriculture, transforming a challenging environment and offering hope to communities worldwide facing similar water crises.

Jun 27, 2026 2

Ladakh struggled with water for years, then Sonam Wangchuk created ice stupa as reservoir
In Ladakh's arid Himalayan landscape, a revolutionary solution to water scarcity has emerged. Engineer Sonam Wangchuk pioneered the 'ice stupa,' an artificial glacier built in a conical shape. These towers store winter meltwater, releasing it gradually during the crucial spring planting season. This low-cost, energy-free innovation ensures vital irrigation for agriculture, transforming a challenging environment and offering hope to communities worldwide facing similar water crises.
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