Authorities in Ladakh have declared several Buddhist monuments, including the celebrated Maitreya Buddha rock carvings, as protected heritage sites to shield them from damage caused by tourism and rapid development.
The move, announced under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, gives statutory protection to sites such as the Maitreya Buddha carving at Shey near Sindhu Ghat, the Zong Chamba rock carving, the Rigsum Gonbo carvings at Diggar, and the Chamba Karpo (White Maitreya Buddha) at Diggar. Other inclusions are the rock‑carved Buddha statue at Hunder and the Chamba carving at Tokpo.
Officials say the designation will allow for scientific conservation and stricter regulation of activities around the monuments, ensuring their structural integrity and historical authenticity. The administration has also pledged to establish India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park on the banks of the Indus River in Leh, further strengthening preservation efforts.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena described the initiative as a commitment to safeguarding Ladakh’s cultural identity. “Preservation is not merely about protecting monuments but about safeguarding the collective memory of our people for future generations,” he said.
The Buddhist carvings, many dating back centuries, are regarded as invaluable testimonies to Ladakh’s spiritual and artistic heritage. By granting them protected status, the administration hopes to balance cultural tourism with conservation, ensuring that visitors can continue to experience these treasures without compromising their survival.
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