With reference to the Zehanpora Buddhist complex, consider the following statements: 1. The study was conducted by the Centre of Indian Studies at the University of Kashmir. 2. The complex is an archaeological site approximately 2,000 years old. 3. 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?

Zehanpora Buddhist complex faces collapse by 2050 due to erosion, study finds

GS1History · Society · Geography· Heritage sites, UNESCO & GI tags· Prelims + Mains· 6 October 2026

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. 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 site faces a potential loss of 10,122 square metres due to erosion.
PostBilal Hassan, Mohammad Ajmal Shah, and Mumtaz A. Yatoo: Researchers from the Centre of Central Asian Studies, 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 to balance archaeological conservation with climate resilience.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Environmental vulnerability: Accelerated soil erosion and weathering threatening structural integrity of ancient masonry
Conservation-Climate nexus: Balancing immediate site stabilization with long-term climate adaptation strategies for heritage zones

Keywords: Heritage Conservation · Environmental Degradation · Archaeological Preservation · Climate Resilience · Site Integrity

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS1 · Physical geography (landforms, oceans, climate)

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