Ladakh Declares 23 Heritage Sites as Protected Monuments

# Ladakh Declares 23 Heritage Sites as Protected Monuments ### Why in News? The Union Territory of Ladakh administration has officially notified 23 heritage sites, archaeological sites, and heritage assets as Protected Monuments under the **Jammu & Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, Samvat 1977 (1920 A.D.)**. ### What does this notification mean? This move brings these sites under a formal legal framework for **documentation, management, and protection** against unauthorized alterations or encroachment. The sites are spread across five regions: **Leh, Sham, Nubra, Zanskar, and Kargil**. - The list includes **petroglyph complexes** (ancient rock art) at **Sharnos, Domkhar, Lehdo, Alchi, Murgi, and Mangmore**, preserving cultural traditions and history. - It also covers **forts** like **Tingmosgang Fort, Sumoor Fort, and Dechen Tsomo Khar Fort**, along with **Buddhist sites** such as the **Maitreya Buddha Rock Carving (Shey), Saspol caves, and Stongday Gonpa**. - Notable sculptures and inscriptions include the **Rigsum Gonbo rock sculpture, Chamba Karpo, Folong Singey**, and the historic rock inscription at **Yourbaltak in Kargil**. ### Why is this significant for exams? Ladakh, formed on **October 31, 2019**, under the **Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019**, is the **largest Union Territory of India by area**. The **J&K Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1920**, originally enacted to protect monuments of historical, archaeological, or artistic interest, remains applicable to Ladakh. This notification is a step towards safeguarding the region's rich cultural heritage. ### Exam Connect **Jammu & Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1920** → Provides for the **protection of monuments** of historical or archaeological interest **Ladakh UT** → Formed under **J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019**; **largest UT by area**