Mahey Tokpo-Raldho Canal Inaugurated in Ladakh’s Changthang

The 2.10 km Mahey Tokpo-Raldho irrigation canal was inaugurated on 14 May 2026 in the Changthang region of Ladakh. The canal lies in the Nyoma area at an altitude of over 14,000 feet and draws water from Yaya Lake.

Mahey Tokpo-Raldho Irrigation Canal

The canal project was initiated in 2022-23 and covers a remote high-altitude area of Ladakh. It is designed to provide irrigation for nearly 100 acres of agricultural land in the Mahey area.

Changthang Region and Nyoma Area

Changthang is a high-altitude plateau region in eastern Ladakh, and Nyoma is one of its remote administrative areas. The region has extreme climatic conditions, low temperatures, and sparse vegetation, which affect agriculture and water availability.

Project Timeline and Construction

By March 2026, only 1,250 metres of the canal had been completed, and the remaining 850 metres were built in about two months after review by the Lieutenant Governor. Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the canal during his first visit to the newly created Changthang district.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ladakh became a Union Territory on 31 October 2019 after the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Changthang is known for its high-altitude cold desert landscape and pastoral communities.
• Yaya Lake is a high-altitude lake in Ladakh and serves as a water source for the canal.
• High-altitude irrigation projects in Ladakh often use short canals, glacier-fed streams, and storage systems for agriculture.

Associated Development Measures

A plantation drive of 15,000 saplings was launched along the canal on 14 May 2026. The project is linked with soil conservation, irrigation support, and water security in the Mahey area.