Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Ladakh Monasteries Threatened by Climate Change, ASI Warns
Scientists and heritage experts said that the old monasteries in Ladakh, a high‑altitude region in India, are in danger because the weather is changing.
More rain and floods are making the stone and mud walls crack.
The experts gave a talk in Delhi on July 28, 2024, to explain the problem.
They said that the old building methods used by local people are still good, but new techniques are needed to protect the sites.
They also warned that the rising rain could hurt people if dangerous materials like asbestos were used.
The experts hope that by using both old and new ideas, the monasteries can survive for future generations.
ASI officials warned that increased rainfall and flash floods are damaging Ladakh’s monasteries and urban heritage.
The lecture at India International Centre on July 28, 2024 highlighted climate‑change impacts on stone, mud, and timber structures.
Experts noted a rise in annual precipitation since 2008, with heavy rainfall events becoming more frequent.
Traditional construction methods are praised for sustainability, but new conservation strategies are needed.
The ASI encourages a blend of local knowledge and modern science to safeguard heritage sites.
- Who
- Sunder Paul, Director of Conservation at the Archaeological Survey of India, and KN Shrivastava, former director general of ASI
- What
- Climate change is threatening the structural integrity of Ladakh’s centuries‑old monasteries and urban heritage
- When
- July 28, 2024
- Where
- India International Centre, Delhi; Ladakh, India
- Why
- Increasing rainfall, flash floods, and changing weather patterns are weakening foundations and causing cracks
- Location
- Ladakh, India
- Subject
- Ladakh monasteries and heritage
- Threat
- Climate change (increased rainfall, flash floods)
- Key figures
- Sunder Paul, KN Shrivastava
- Date of lecture
- July 28, 2024