Leh: In a landmark initiative, Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena laid the foundation stone for India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park on the banks of the Indus River, preserving Ladakh's ancient heritage.
The park aims to conserve centuries-old rock carvings threatened by unregulated tourism, infrastructure development, and lack of awareness.
With nearly 400 sites across Ladakh containing petroglyphs, the park will house carvings collected from vulnerable locations, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
The Lt Governor termed Ladakh as a 'repository of ancient heritage' and emphasized the conservation of these sites as an ethical responsibility.
He noted that these rock carvings depicted early human life, cultural transition, and the region's rich history, showcasing the importance of community participation in preserving Ladakh's heritage.