Leh, Jul 30: In a major step towards preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural and historical legacy, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the declaration of 23 heritage sites across the Union Territory as Protected Monuments under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.
The notification aims to provide statutory protection to historically and archaeologically significant sites, including ancient monasteries, forts, palaces, caves, petroglyphs and rock carvings, many of which were in a deteriorating condition and vulnerable to damage.
The move is intended to strengthen heritage conservation through scientific preservation, restoration and documentation while preventing encroachments and activities that could threaten the structural integrity of these monuments.
Emphasising the importance of the initiative, LG Saxena said Ladakh’s ancient monuments are invaluable symbols of the region’s civilisational heritage and cultural identity. He said protecting these sites would help preserve the collective memory of the people while promoting responsible cultural tourism, research and public awareness.
The protected sites include prominent heritage landmarks such as the Petroglyph Site at Sharnos, Maitreya Buddha Rock Carving at Shey, Tingmosgang Fort, Ancient Caves at Saspol, Stongday Gonpa, Meditation Cave of Onpo at Hunder, Hunder Cave, Dechen Tsomo Khar (Fort), Stampuk Cave, Chamba Rock Carving, Zong Chamba, Rock-Carved Buddha Statue at Hunder, Rigsum Gonbo Rock Carvings at Diggar, Chamba Karpo at Diggar, Sumoor Fort, Rock Inscriptions at Yourbaltak in Kargil, and the Petroglyph Site at Mangmore, Kargil, among others.
With the notification now in force, the Ladakh Administration will be empowered to undertake conservation and restoration measures to safeguard these monuments for future generations.
