Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Ladakh's ancient petroglyphs threatened by road projects and weathering
Imagine really old drawings carved into rocks in a place called Ladakh, some made thousands of years ago!
These drawings tell us stories about people who lived there a very long time ago.
But now, these drawings are in danger.
Big roads are being built nearby, and the weather is also making them fade away.
Even in another area called Gilgit-Baltistan, a new dam might cover up more ancient rock drawings.
Important people, like the Dalai Lama, are asking everyone to help protect these special drawings.
People who work for tourism have visited the sites and seen the damage.
They are worried and think we need to act fast to save this ancient art for the future.
Ancient petroglyphs in Ladakh, dating as far back as 2000 BC, are at risk from extensive road construction and infrastructure development.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other agencies are involved in projects that threaten the integrity of these rock carvings.
Natural weathering and climate change-induced flash floods also contribute to the deterioration of the ancient rock art.
The Dalai Lama has appealed for the preservation of Ladakh's rich rock art heritage, highlighting concerns about damage to Kushan period and Bronze Age inscriptions.
Tourism officials have documented damage to petroglyphs along the Nimoo-Chilling road and stressed the urgent need for conservation measures.
- Who
- Ancient inhabitants of Ladakh, modern road construction agencies (BRO), tourism officials, Dalai Lama
- What
- Ancient petroglyphs dating back to 2000 BC are under threat of damage and potential loss due to road construction, infrastructure development, and natural weathering.
- When
- Ongoing, with historical documentation dating back to the late 19th/early 20th century and recent inspections and appeals.
- Where
- Ladakh, India, particularly along the Indus River and Nimoo-Chilling road in Leh district; also Gilgit-Baltistan under Pakistan's occupation.
- Why
- Road construction and infrastructure development by agencies like BRO, alongside natural weathering and climate change-induced flash floods, are causing irreversible damage to the petroglyphs.
- Age of Petroglyphs
- As early as 2000 BC
- Location of Threat
- Ladakh, particularly along the Indus River and Nimoo-Chilling road; also Gilgit-Baltistan
- Threatening Activities
- Road construction, widening, infrastructure development, hydroelectric dam construction, weathering, flash floods
- Key Agencies Involved
- Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Project Himank, Project Vijayak, Chinese company (in Gilgit-Baltistan)
- Noted Experts/Officials
- Dalai Lama, Tsering Paldan (Director of Tourism, Ladakh), Tashi Ldawa (petroglyph expert), August Hermann Francke (early documenter)
- Specific Road Projects Mentioned
- Nimoo-Padum-Darcha road, Khaltsi-Guru dho road