Zehanpora Buddhist complex faces collapse by 2050 due to erosion, study finds
GS1History · Society · Geography· Heritage sites, UNESCO & GI tags· Prelims + Mains·
Heritage conservation and environmental degradation: a GS1 and GS3 case study on archaeological preservation.
Why in news
A study by the University of Kashmir published in Ancient Asia warns that the 2,000-year-old Zehanpora Buddhist complex faces collapse by 2050 due to erosion.
Background
The study was conducted by experts from the Centre of Central Asian Studies at the University of Kashmir and published in the journal Ancient Asia in July 2026. It estimates the site could lose 10,122 square metres of area without intervention.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceZehanpora Buddhist complex: A 2,000-year-old archaeological site.
- FactThe complex faces a potential loss of 10,122 square metres due to erosion by 2050.
- BodyCentre of Central Asian Studies: Located at the University of Kashmir.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Zehanpora Buddhist complex, consider the following statements:
- The study was conducted by the Centre of Indian Studies at the University of Kashmir.
- The complex is an archaeological site approximately 2,000 years old.
- The site is estimated to lose 10,122 square metres of area by the year 2050.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The study was conducted by the Centre of Central Asian Studies.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in preserving ancient heritage sites against environmental degradation and suggest measures for sustainable conservation of archaeological landmarks.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Environmental vulnerability: Accelerated soil erosion and weathering threatening structural integrity of ancient masonry
- Conservation-Development trade-off: Balancing site preservation with regional infrastructure needs and tourism
- Institutional gap: Need for proactive geological monitoring and erosion-control engineering in heritage management
Keywords: Heritage Conservation · Environmental Degradation · Archaeological Preservation · Structural Integrity · Sustainable Tourism
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.