Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena Declares 23 Ladakh Heritage Sites Protected

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a notification that designates 23 heritage sites across the Union Territory as "Protected Monuments" under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. The sites include petroglyph locations, rock‑carvings, ancient caves, gompas, forts and palaces that were previously in dilapidated condition.

The declaration provides statutory legal protection, enabling authorities to undertake conservation measures, prevent encroachments, regulate activities that could damage the monuments and promote responsible cultural tourism and research. It is presented as a major step toward preserving Ladakh’s civilisational heritage for future generations.