e-conservation the online Magazine 16, oct 2010.pdf

NEWS
THF is helping to prevent collapse of damaged
historic buildings in Leh, mainly on the edge of
the historic old town, and has assessed buildings
for their safety, advising whether families can return
to their houses or not. Certainly, next spring
the government and all concerned bodies will have
to take a lot of precautions to prevent the catastrophe
from recurring. Most Ladakhis blame the
climate change, saying historically it has never
rained much in Ladakh (12 th century wall-paintings
in simple buildings with flat mud roofs seem
to bear witness to this). Flood diversion channels
can be built, drainage improved, and protective
walls raised above settlements. Some building
locations may have to be abandoned. But to bring
everyone over the winter, THF is proposing an alternative
to building comparatively expensive
shelters (between 2000-4000 Euro) that may not
be suited to the local climate, and that may only
be needed for six months.
stay over winter. No expenses for new building materials
are necessary, as everything from a traditional
Ladakhi building can be recycled - including
the mud bricks for the walls.
Donations to support this program can be sent to:
THF non-profit account in Germany
Account holder: Tibet Heritage Fund
Bank name: Berliner Volksbank
Account Nr. 7104 19 2003
BLZ 100 900 00
SWIFT/BIC BEVODEBB
IBAN: DE03 1009 0000 7104 1920 03
We found that it only takes two skilled masons and
some helpers to make at least one room in each
of the damaged buildings safe for the family to
Volunteers at work cleaning the debris from the new
bus-stand area.
Panoramic view of the damage suffered at lower Leh from the mudslide.
18
e-conservation