Help bring sustainable water to
Khasar Village
January 2024 Update: Project Success!
We have brought water back to Khasar Village! They now have a long-term source of water for their agriculture and livestock . We are excited to see how they will not only bounce back from their adversity, but also flourish in the future. Thank you everyone for your trust and support in making this project a success!
More details and project updates below.
Melting glaciers have created a water crisis in Khasar Village.
Khasar Village is on the brink of abandonment. Located deep in the Himalayas in India's Zanskar Valley, at 12,000 feet it is one of the highest places on earth inhabited by humans. It is also experiencing some of the most dramatic impacts from climate change.
The rapid melting of glaciers, retreating snowlines, and erratic snowfall in Khasar are leading to a water crisis. There is little remaining water to irrigate crops and feed their livestock. Most of their fields now lay barren and only a few sheep, goats, and cattle remain.
Without support, their last remaining crops will die and the 30 families in Khasar will be forced to abandon their centuries-old village.
Our Plan
Working with our local partner, Lobzang Wangtak and his nonprofit trust, Navikarana, we will install a solar water pump to bring water from the Zanskar River to the community reservoir in Khasar. It is an ambitious project that will transport water over one mile to the village. We piloted a successful project last summer using the same approach in Pishu Village.
Originating deep in the mountains, the Zanskar River is fed by more abundant and larger glaciers than exist above Khasar. Even with climate change, water will continue to flow in the Zanskar well beyond this century and can provide a sustainable source of water to Khasar Village.
October Project Update
We have drilled the borewell! This is where we will place the submersible pump. The next step is to get the solar panels and pipes shipped to Zanskar. The goal is to have the system installed by next spring so Khasar can have water by the first irrigation.
December Project Update
We have successfully brought water back to Khasar Village! The pumps and solar panels were installed in December. We tested the system to ensure sufficient flow and everything worked great! We will close the system for the winter months, but it is ready to water for first irrigation next spring.
