CHEWANG NORPHEL, LADAKH
He created glaciers in Ladakh to help solve the water scarcity in the region. The artificial glaciers increase the ground-water recharge and provide water for irrigation. He created artificial glaciers by diverting a river into a valley, slowing the stream by constructing checks which led to the freezing of water. Norphel’s largest glacier is the one at the Phuktsey village, which is 1,000 feet long, 150 feet wide and 4 feet in depth. It can supply water for the entire village of 700 people and cost just Rs 90,000 to make. He is a recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 2010 and in 2015, he was also awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India.
