Wangchuk Builds Ice Stupas
Himalayan villages are using artificial ice pyramids, called ice stupas, to store winter water for irrigation during dry summers, helping combat drought. The largest ice pyramids can store millions of liters of water and benefit multiple villages. Officials said this innovative solution helps farmers despite climate change impacts.
- Artificial ice pyramids store winter water for irrigation
- Largest ice pyramids store millions of liters of water
- Ice stupas help farmers combat drought in Himalayan villages
- Slovenian photographer Ciril Jazbec wins award for ice stupa photo series
- Ice stupas built in Ladakh region of India to combat climate change
Himalayan villages are using artificial ice pyramids, called ice stupas, to store winter water for irrigation during dry summers, helping combat drought. The largest ice pyramids can store millions of liters of water and benefit multiple villages. Officials said this innovative solution helps farmers despite climate change impacts.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed that ice stupas are being built in the Ladakh region of India to combat climate change.
The Concept of Ice Stupas
The concept of ice stupas was developed by a local inventor who began experimenting with building ice into pyramids in winter to see how long they took to melt. Witnesses said the pyramids looked similar to the conical Buddhist stupas, which are shrines that contain relics of holy men and women, or even sacred mantras, ubiquitous across the Ladakhi landscape. Experts said the recognizable shape of the ice stupas would blend seamlessly with their surroundings and make people identify with them more easily.
Para expanding on the concept, the inventor, Wangchuk, surmised that the ice stupas would provide a solution to the water scarcity problem in the region.
Awards and Recognition
A photo series on ice stupas, captured by Slovenian photographer Ciril Jazbec, recently won first place in the 2024-25 Onewater's Walk of Water: Water Towers photo story contest. Government sources said the award is a recognition of the innovative solution to combat climate change.
Para expanding on the award, the photo series showcased the impressive structures in India's high-altitude Ladakh region, where farming communities on the frontlines of climate change have adapted to retreating glaciers and reduced snow melt.
The award was given on 18 February 2025.
Historical Context
The concept of ice stupas is not new, but the implementation of it on a large scale is a recent development. Historically, the Ladakh Valley has been prone to droughts and water scarcity. However, with the onset of climate change, the problem has exacerbated.
Para expanding on the historical context, the region has seen a significant decrease in snowfall and glaciers over the years.
In 1988, Wangchuk founded the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), a school that aimed to provide education to students in the region.
Human Impact
The ice stupas have had a significant impact on the lives of the people living in the Ladakh Valley. Dolkar, a 58-year-old potato farmer from Thiksey village, said that the ice stupas have provided a solution to the water scarcity problem.
Para expanding on the human impact, the ice stupas have helped farmers like Dolkar to irrigate their crops and increase their yield.
Meanwhile, the ice stupas have also provided a source of drinking water for the communities living in the region.
The ice stupas have been a game-changer for the people of Ladakh, and have helped them to adapt to the changing climate.
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