Process initiated to declare historic settlement of Kumik in Ladakh a heritage site

Kumik’s centuries-old cultural landscape in Zanskar has moved a step closer to formal heritage protection, with the Ladakh Administration proposing to declare the historic settlement a Heritage Site under the UT’s heritage conservation law.

Unlike a designation limited to individual monuments, the proposal seeks to protect the settlement as an integrated cultural landscape comprising traditional homes, sacred spaces, agricultural and irrigation systems, historic walls, water mills and the mountain-water environment around it.

The notification issued by Sanjit Rodrigues, secretary tourism and culture, says that “the conservation framework contemplated under the said Act and the rules made thereunder is intended to secure the long-term conservation of Kumik while enabling community participation, continued habitation and traditional practices, heritage education and research, conservation infrastructure and appropriate sustainable Heritage/Eco-Tourism, consistent with the heritage character of the settlement”.

The Ladakh Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act, 2010 (Act No. XV of 2010) provides for the declaration of buildings, structures, streets, areas, precincts, natural features and sites of scenic beauty having historic, architectural, aesthetic, cultural or environmental significance as heritage or heritage sites, to be protected and graded in accordance with the provisions of the said Act.

“And whereas the survey, research and documentation of the historic settlement of Kumik and its associated cultural landscape have been undertaken, and the material so documented establishes its significance as an integrated cultural landscape comprising traditional habitation, Buddhist religious and sacred heritage, vernacular architecture, agricultural terraces, traditional irrigation and water-management systems, historic stone walls, and water-powered rantshaks (water mills)”, the notification said.

The Deputy Commissioner Zanskar and Deputy Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums, UT of Ladakh, has, on the basis of the aforesaid survey, research and documentation, recommended consideration of Kumik for declaration as a Heritage Site under the said Act;

The settlement of Kumik, situated within the Revenue Village of Thungday Khumik, Zanskar Tehsil, Union Territory of Ladakh, together with its associated cultural landscape, possesses distinctive historical, architectural, cultural, religious and environmental significance warranting its consideration for protection and grading under the said Act;

The heritage significance of Kumik is not confined to individual structures but is expressed through the interrelationship of its settlement pattern, traditional houses, sacred spaces and practices, agricultural and irrigation systems, historic walls, traditional water mills, oral traditions and the mountain-water landscape associated with the settlement;

Notice has been given for a period of thirty days from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, inviting objections or suggestions in writing from any person or organisation in respect of the aforesaid intention.

During his recent maiden visit to the newly carved Zanskar district, Lt. Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena had announced Kumik as the first heritage village of Ladakh.