India counters China, maps 28 landmarks in Ladakh with official names

The Union Home Ministry has standardised the names of 28 geographical features in Ladakh after consulting the Union Territory. The move places them on the Survey of India map and is intended to improve identification and public awareness.

In Short

• Ministry consulted Ladakh administration before updating official Survey of India map
• Standardised entries cover peaks, passes, glaciers, valleys, rivers, lakes
• Names approved include Zorawar Peak, Kanishka Peak, Atisha Giri, Shiva Ri

The Union Home Ministry has officially recognised 28 places and geographical features in Ladakh, including areas in Chinese-occupied regions, in a major move to put these locations on the official map of India.

After consultation with the Union Territory, the ministry has included the 28 names in the official Survey of India map. The move covers peaks, mountains, passes, glaciers, valleys, rivers, lakes and other landforms.

The newly standardised names include Zorawar Peak, Kanishka Peak, Atisha Giri, Martand Giri, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyashree Giri, Marpa Lotsawa Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri and Maheshwar Ri.

The list also includes Karun Pir, Drak Karpo and Zolmori mountains; Chapchingle Pass and Shachmirk Pass; Parpik and Skamari glaciers; and the Shkorga Valley.

Other features include Brangsa, Kuksel, Dehra Compass, Gogra, Kumarayan Point, Panglung and Shamal Lungpa.

Dehra Compass is located in the disputed Aksai Chin region claimed by China.

Guru Rinpoche Lake, Yangpa River and Hot Spring are also among the 28 geographical features whose names have been standardised.

According to the government, the exercise is aimed at ensuring accurate identification of these locations and increasing public awareness.

With the move, the 28 places and geographical features will now be represented with standardised names on the Survey of India’s official map.

- Ends