Conservation of Archaeological Sites

Archaeological heritage represents centuries old traditions, cultures and history of a nation. Loss of these assets means the loss of our identity and roots. Unfortunately, our archaeological heritage has always got a low profile in our priorities. Government departments and concerned authorities have failed to preserve these assets and protect them for serious effects of environmental changes and pollutants. Many historical buildings like the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Garden and Ranjeet Singh’s Murhi are rapidly deteriorating due to the effects of smoke, noise, traffic and acid rains.

EcoWatch raised this issue in the Environmental Protection Tribunal, Punjab. The Tribunal has formed a body to prepare a Master Plan for the protection of these buildings against destructive environmental agents. Based on the suggestion of the board and EcoWath, alternative traffic routes are provided to create a buffer zone around these monuments in order to reduce the pressure of traffic and ultimately the worst effects of pollution. The Government of Punjab has also allocated 300 million rupees for the restoration of these monuments.

The tribunal has also issued a restraint order against fashion shows, musical concerts and other destructive activities in the Lahore Fort. A generous amount of 60 million US$ has also been provided by UNESCO for the improvement of these monuments. This grant is to be used for the implementation of a massive conservation project with the help of UNESCO. The tribunal has also ordered the shifting of Rim Market and removal of illegal encroachments in the vicinity. Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) are also passed by the tribunal to move 40 industrial units and furnaces located in the surroundings. Recently, the Department of Archaeology has decided to restore the Lahore Fort according to its original model discovered by Albert Victor Museum, London.

• EcoWatch raised this issue in the Environmental Protection Tribunal, Punjab.
• The Tribunal has formed a body to prepare a Master Plan for the protection of these buildings against destructive environmental agents.
• Based on the suggestion of the board and EcoWath, alternative traffic routes are provided to create a buffer zone around these monuments in order to reduce the pressure of traffic and ultimately the worst effects of pollution.
• The Government of Punjab has also allocated 300 million rupees for the restoration of these monuments.
• The tribunal has also issued a restraint order against fashion shows, musical concerts and other destructive activities in the Lahore Fort.
• A generous amount of 60 million US$ has also been provided by UNESCO for the improvement of these monuments. This grants is to be used for the implementation of a massive conservation project with the help of UNESCO.
• The tribunal has also ordered the shifting of Rim Market and removal of illegal encroachments in the vicinity. Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) are also passed by the tribunal to move 40 industrial units and furnaces located in the surroundings.
• Recently, the Department of Archaeology has decided to restore the Lahore Fort according to its original model discovered by Albert Victor Museum, London.