LEH: The Union Territory Administration held consultations with village representatives, researchers and heritage experts on a proposal to establish a Petroglyph Park at Sindhu Ghat, with Administrative Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Sanjit Rodrigues assuring that any relocation of vulnerable petroglyph-bearing boulders would be undertaken only with the consent and participation of local communities.
Chairing a high-level meeting attended by Gobas, Nambardars and members of an expert committee, Rodrigues said the initiative is aimed at preserving endangered examples of Ladakh’s prehistoric rock art threatened by natural erosion, developmental activities and other external factors.
Emphasising the cultural value of petroglyphs, he described them as irreplaceable records of Ladakh’s history and identity. He clarified that the proposed park is intended to safeguard vulnerable artefacts rather than remove heritage assets from villages, and reiterated that the process would remain consultative and community-driven.
The proposed facility, he said, would serve as a centre for research, education and cultural tourism, while ensuring the long-term preservation of rock art that forms a crucial part of Ladakh’s archaeological heritage.
Experts attending the meeting stressed the urgency of conservation efforts. Researcher and Associate Professor Dr. Tashi Ladawa noted that several rock art sites have already been lost to neglect, environmental degradation and human intervention. He informed the gathering that nearly 800 petroglyph sites have been identified across Ladakh, warning that each loss represents an irreversible erosion of the region’s historical legacy.
Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, said an expert committee has identified around 200 petroglyph-bearing rocks as highly vulnerable and in need of immediate protection. He observed that the proposed Petroglyph Park could emerge as a pioneering heritage conservation initiative in India.
Village representatives, particularly from Stakmo, expressed support for protecting vulnerable petroglyphs while advocating the preservation of sites not facing immediate threats at their original locations. They also proposed the creation of village-level heritage parks and interpretation centres to strengthen local conservation efforts.
Responding positively, Rodrigues assured full administrative support for community-led heritage initiatives and encouraged villages to submit proposals for local conservation projects.
The meeting concluded with broad agreement on the need for a collaborative approach involving local communities, researchers, heritage experts and the Administration. Representatives of the concerned villages also expressed their willingness to cooperate in the preservation and relocation of identified vulnerable petroglyph-bearing boulders to the proposed park.
