Thirty-one ancient rock carvings have already been moved from vulnerable sites as part of the first phase of a project that will conserve 155 petroglyphs from across Ladakh.
BY PC Bureau
June 29, 2026: In a major step towards preserving India’s prehistoric heritage, work on the country’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park has gathered pace at Sindhu Ghat in Leh, with authorities beginning the systematic relocation of endangered ancient rock carvings from vulnerable sites across Ladakh.
The project, being developed by the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, aims to conserve centuries-old petroglyphs that face increasing threats from natural weathering, infrastructure development, unregulated tourism and human interference.
So far, 31 petroglyphs from Saboo Thang have been carefully relocated to the conservation park. The rock carvings, ranging from 4 feet to 17 feet in circumference and weighing between 500 kilograms and 10 metric tonnes, are being preserved in a scientifically managed setting to ensure their long-term survival.
The initiative was formally launched on April 18, coinciding with World Heritage Day, when Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena laid the foundation stone for the conservation park. The project is expected to be completed by September this year.
According to the administration, the conservation park will serve as a dedicated repository for Ladakh’s rich collection of prehistoric rock art while also making these invaluable artefacts accessible to researchers, students and tourists through a planned interpretation centre.
The petroglyphs depict a wide range of subjects, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient past. Among the most common motifs are Ladakh’s native wildlife, including ibex, yak, argali, blue sheep and dogs, alongside hunting scenes, warriors, human footprints and symbolic figures that provide insights into the lives and beliefs of early inhabitants.
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Officials noted that the distribution of the carvings reflects Ladakh’s ecological diversity. While depictions of ibex are commonly found in the lower valleys of Sham and Purig, images of yak and argali dominate the high-altitude landscapes of Changthang.
The first phase of the project will involve relocating 155 petroglyphs from several heritage-rich locations across Ladakh. These include 13 carvings from Phyang Thang, 30 from Stakmo Thang, 28 from Likir Hill, 14 from Likir Thang and 10 from Taru Thang, in addition to petroglyphs from Thiksey, Igoo, Ganglas, Khaltse, Saspol, Ranbirpur, Nimoo, Spituk, Tsogsti and other sites.
Speaking on the initiative, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena described the conservation park as a landmark effort to safeguard Ladakh’s archaeological legacy.
“The Petroglyph Conservation Park is a historic initiative to preserve Ladakh’s priceless archaeological heritage for future generations. By relocating vulnerable petroglyphs to a scientifically managed conservation park, we are protecting an invaluable chapter of India’s civilisational legacy from the threats of natural degradation and human activities. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage while creating a world-class centre for heritage education, research and responsible cultural tourism,” Saxena said.
Ladakh is widely regarded as one of the richest repositories of prehistoric rock art in South and Central Asia. Spread across elevations ranging from 2,500 metres to more than 5,000 metres, its petroglyphs provide a rare visual record of the region’s early human settlements, wildlife, hunting traditions and cultural evolution over thousands of years.
With the conservation park taking shape, the administration hopes the initiative will not only protect these fragile archaeological treasures but also establish Ladakh as a major centre for heritage research and sustainable cultural tourism.
