Leh: The relocation of endangered petroglyphs to India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh has begun, with 31 ancient rock art panels already shifted from vulnerable sites as part of an initiative to preserve Ladakh’s archaeological heritage.
The conservation park, whose foundation stone was laid by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on April 18, World Heritage Day, is being developed to protect centuries-old rock carvings threatened by natural weathering, infrastructure development, unregulated tourism and human interference. The project is scheduled for completion by September this year.
Officials said the 31 petroglyphs relocated so far have been brought from Saboo Thang. The carvings, ranging from four to 17 feet in circumference and weighing between 500 kilograms and 10 metric tonnes, depict Ladakhi wildlife such as ibex, yak, argali, blue sheep and dogs, besides hunting scenes, warriors, footprints and other symbolic motifs.
The first phase of the project involves relocating 155 petroglyphs from several locations across Ladakh, including Phyang Thang, Stakmo Thang, Likir Hill, Likir Thang, Taru Thang, Thiksey, Igoo, Ganglas, Khaltse, Saspol, Ranbirpur, Nimoo, Spituk and Tsogsti.
According to officials, the artefacts are being carefully relocated and curated at Sindhu Ghat to ensure their long-term preservation while making them accessible for research, education and public viewing through an interpretation centre.
Speaking on the initiative, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the conservation park would help safeguard an important part of India’s archaeological and civilisational heritage while promoting heritage education, research and responsible cultural tourism.
Ladakh is regarded as one of the richest repositories of prehistoric rock art in South and Central Asia. Spread across altitudes ranging from 2,500 to over 5,000 metres, the petroglyphs provide valuable insights into the region’s early human history and cultural evolution.
