The Ice Stupa Project: Clean water for farmers

An approach to freeze water and preserve it until planting season for communities in need. 

The Problem

A typical Himalayan village faces acute water shortages during the crucial months of April and May when villagers seek to water their newly planted crops. At other times of the year, villages have an excess of water due to the melting of nearby glacial mountains. But this surplus of water is long-gone by planting season.

The Solution

Ice Stupas are essentially artificial glaciers which store this wasting winter water in the form of ice mountains. These ice-mountains are able to withstand the winter months, and begin gradually melting in the spring, when the water is most needed by the farmers. This project has been initiated by the Himalayan Institute.

Stage of Development

  • Early Stage
  • Established Prototype
  • Scaling
  • Other

Organization to Receive Funds

The Ice Stupa Project

Find Out More

This project was nominated by: