Leh (Ladakh): Travellers exploring Ladakh will now have 23 more heritage sites to discover as the Union Territory has granted them 'Protected Monument' status, strengthening efforts to preserve its ancient rock carvings, petroglyphs, caves, monasteries, forts and other historic sites.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the notification under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, giving the sites statutory protection and paving the way for their conservation and restoration.
The newly protected sites offer a glimpse into Ladakh's long and diverse cultural history.
The 23 protected heritage sites include:
- Petroglyph Site at Sharnos
- Maitreya Buddha Rock Carving at Shey near Sindhu Ghat
- Tingmosgang Fort
- Ancient Caves at Saspol
- Petroglyph Site at Domkhar
- Petroglyph Site at Lehdo
- Petroglyph Site at Alchi
- Petroglyph Site at Murgi
- Stongday Gonpa
- Meditation Cave of Onpo at Hunder
- Hunder Cave
- Dechen Tsomo Khar (Fort)
- Stampuk Cave
- Chamba Rock Carving
- Zong Chamba (Rock Carving of Maitreya Buddha)
- Rock-Carved Buddha Statue at Hunder
- Rigsum Gonbo Rock Carvings at Diggar
- Chamba Karpo (White Maitreya Buddha) at Diggar
- Chamba Rock Carving at Tokpo, Diggar
- Folong Singey (Boulder-like Lion Face) at Diggar
- Sumoor Fort
- Rock Inscriptions at Yourbaltak, Kargil
- Petroglyph Site at Mangmore, Kargil
Many of these sites were previously in a dilapidated condition and faced threats to their preservation. Under the new notification, the Ladakh Administration can undertake conservation measures, prevent encroachments and regulate activities that could damage the sites or affect their historical character.
"Ladakh's ancient monasteries, forts, caves, petroglyphs and rock carvings are invaluable testimonies to our rich civilisational heritage and cultural identity," Saxena said.
The administration said the initiative is also intended to support responsible cultural tourism, research and greater public awareness of Ladakh's heritage.
