Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Jun 1: In a landmark move to preserve and promote Ladakh’s rich cultural and historical legacy, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, officially launched the Heritage Documentation and Mapping Project today at a special event held at the Zen Hotel Conference Hall.
The initiative was inaugurated by the Chief Executive Councillor , Tashi Gyalson, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by CEC Tashi Gyalson, joined by other Executive Councillors and religious heads from various communities.
Conceived under the leadership of CEC Tashi Gyalson and Executive Councillor for Art and Culture, Stanzin Chosphel, the project aims to systematically document, digitize, and share Ladakh’s tangible and intangible heritage using a blend of traditional knowledge and advanced technology.
The project includes a comprehensive survey across Leh district to create a detailed inventory of culturally significant sites such as monasteries, forts, stupas, and ancient settlements. This official database will ensure recognition and protection of Ladakh’s heritage for future generations.
A key component of the initiative is a dedicated heritage website—heritage.ladakh.gov.in—that will offer extensive information on Ladakh’s history, art, and culture. The platform will host photographs, historical context, and interactive maps, serving researchers, tourists, students, and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.
The project also incorporates 3D mapping and drone surveys to create virtual tours of important heritage locations, allowing global access to Ladakh’s cultural wealth. Additionally, QR codes will be installed at key heritage sites to provide audio-guided tours narrating historical and cultural insights.
To preserve Ladakh’s oral traditions, the project will document folk songs, legends, rituals, and traditional practices through video archives. Public engagement will be further encouraged through a dynamic social media campaign featuring short films, podcasts, reels, and infographics aimed at fostering awareness and responsibility toward heritage conservation.
Another major highlight is the compilation of a comprehensive heritage book detailing village histories, settlement patterns, and cultural landmarks. The book will include oral histories, architectural records, and cultural narratives, making it a valuable resource for researchers and educators.
During the launch, attendees were shown an introductory film on the pilot phase of the project, a testimonial video from the documentation team, and an animated series on the Kingdom of Ladakh. The first volume of the documentation book and a coffee table book on Losar celebrations across Ladakh were also unveiled.
The event concluded with an exhibition showcasing various components of the project, reflecting LAHDC Leh’s commitment to sustainable cultural tourism, heritage preservation, and community participation. Speaking on the occasion, CEC Tashi Gyalson emphasized the importance of safeguarding Ladakh’s identity for future generations, stating, “Our heritage is our strength. This initiative is a step forward in celebrating and preserving it through collective effort and modern innovation.”
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