JK News Today
Leh, Sept 07, 2025: A meeting was convened by the Director General of Police Ladakh, Dr. S. D. Singh Jamwal, in the presence of Additional Director General (Conservation, World Heritage, NCF), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Shri Janhwij Sharma; Director (Conservation) ASI, Shri Sunder Paul; Deputy Director Archives UT Ladakh, Shri Khadim Hussain; along with staff from the ASI Conservation Wing and the Archives Department, UT Ladakh, to deliberate on the heritage and archaeological culture of Ladakh and to discuss measures for its preservation and promotion.
The meeting also reviewed the damages caused to several monuments across the region due to the recent heavy rains. Officials inspected the affected sites to assess the extent of the damage and to plan strategies for safeguarding Ladakh’s archaeological heritage.
During the deliberations, several key issues were raised, foremost among them the protection of Ladakh’s petroglyphs and rock art, many of which have already suffered destruction. Emphasis was laid on their preservation through proper documentation, conservation, and the establishment of interpretation centres or museums to protect and promote the surviving heritage.
Another major concern highlighted was the large number of unprotected sites, including monasteries and caves, which are deteriorating due to lack of upkeep. It was decided that such sites will be identified and proposals submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for their protection.
The meeting also stressed the need for village-to-village surveys and archaeological explorations to uncover evidence of ancient civilizations and cultural heritage. These findings will be systematically documented and preserved.
In conclusion, the meeting resolved to take concrete steps for the protection, documentation, and promotion of Ladakh’s archaeological and cultural legacy. It was also informed that petroglyph parks will be established in both Leh and Kargil districts.
Earlier, the team visited several monument sites in Leh and Kargil to assess damages caused by the recent rainfall and to identify new heritage sites across Ladakh. The Additional Director General (Conservation, World Heritage, NCF), Shri Janhwij Sharma; Director (Conservation) ASI, Shri Sunder Paul; Deputy Director Archives UT Ladakh, Shri Khadim Hussain; along with staff from the ASI Conservation Wing and Archives Department, UT Ladakh, visited Rangdum Monastery, Karchey Khar Chamba, and Apati Chamba in Kargil. In Leh, the team inspected Leh Palace, Tsemo, Phyang, Wanla, and Lamayuru monasteries to assess the damage caused by the recent heavy rainfall.
It was further informed that Karchey Khar Chamba has been adopted by the ASI, while Apati Chamba will be adopted in the coming days.
