1. Introduction & Context
The remote village of Khema lies at over 4,000 metres above sea level in the Himalayan region of Ladakh in northern India. During the harsh winter months, access to drinking water becomes a major challenge for the village’s approximately 150 residents. When nearby streams freeze or dry up, households rely on a spring located further down the valley. An earlier diesel-powered pumping installation proved unreliable, as the limited fuel supply and equipment were poorly suited to the extreme climatic conditions. As a result, villagers often had to carry water manually along steep and dangerous paths. Inadequate storage infrastructure and exposure to freezing temperatures further constrained reliable access to safe water during winter.
2. Project Goal
The project aimed to ensure a reliable and sustainable source of drinking water for the residents of Khema throughout the winter months. By replacing the unreliable diesel-powered infrastructure with a renewable energy solution and improving storage capacity, the initiative sought to reduce the physical burden on villagers and improve daily living conditions. The project focused on benefiting the entire community, including households and livestock owners who depend on consistent water availability. At the same time, strengthening local capacity was a key priority: community members were actively involved in construction and received training to support the long-term operation and maintenance of the infrastructure.
3. Approach & Technical Solution
The project introduced a solar-powered pumping and storage solution tailored to the extreme conditions of the Ladakh region. Photovoltaic panels power an electric pump that lifts water from the spring to the village, replacing the former diesel generator. The pumping infrastructure and pipelines were redesigned and upgraded to increase capacity and improve resilience against frost damage. To protect the stored water from freezing, a new reservoir was constructed inside a passive solar-heated building (“solar house”). This structure captures and retains solar heat, keeping water above freezing temperatures even during very cold nights. IngOG+ engineers contributed technical expertise in system design, planning, and implementation, working closely with local partners and the village community.
4. Lessons Learnt & Impact
The project improved the reliability of winter water access in Khema while demonstrating the potential of renewable energy solutions in remote mountain environments. Close collaboration with local partners and the active participation of villagers during construction strengthened local ownership and skills. Community members received training in sustainable building techniques, plumbing, and basic system maintenance. Initial observations indicate that the passive solar structure performs well in retaining heat. However, some operational challenges remain, including frozen pipes and a gradual transition away from the previously used diesel pump. Continued monitoring and follow-up visits will help address these issues and support long-term use. Overall, the project provides a promising example of a locally adapted and replicable solution for remote Himalayan communities.
