Ladakh earthquake aftermath: Portion of iconic 800-year-old monastery declared UNSAFE

Leh: Ladakh Administration has declared a portion of 800-year-old Lakhang of Karsha monastery unsafe for performing prayer and gathering; this has been done after a team of officers and officials of Govt. Departments inspected the recent earthquake-affected areas in Zanskar subdivision of Kargil district of Ladakh.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil Shrikant Balasaheb Suse told Republic World that fourth floor has developed some cracks after which administration has requested the monks of the Monastery to restrict entry in the affected Lakhang (Protectors Room) of the monastery.

Lakhang of Karsha monastery has several shrines, ancient rock carvings and Avalokiteshvara Temple. It was founded by the Buddhist master Phagspa Shesrab who introduced Buddhism in Zanskar Valley of the Kargil district of Ladakh.

Sonam Dorjay, Tehsildar of Zanskar, told Republic World that he along with team of officials have visited the spot and have taken the ground review of the situation post which it was decided that it is unsafe for performing prayer and gathering; and monks of the Monastery have been requested to restrict entry in the affected Lakhang.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil added that Protector room of Karsha Monastery developed some cracks after recent earthquake and aftershocks and necessary advisory has been issued to concerned by disaster management authorities.