LAHORE, April 20: For the first time during the last 93 years, the historic Shalamar Gardens have been closed for the general public for more than two months.

The Indian Archaeological Survey in 1913 had declared it a monument and since then it has never been closed for visitors for such a long period.

Sources said the Punjab government had initially closed the gardens for a week or so for visitors but continued to extend the date in order to save the grass, which is being restored by the Parks and Horticulture Authority, from damage.

Its closer since Feb 1 this year means that a good number of local and foreign visitors — an average 3,500 a day — remained deprived of witnessing the grandeur of the Mughal architect.

Besides, they said, the move was also depriving the Punjab Archaeology Department of a monthly income of at least Rs600,000.

However, only foreign delegates were allowed to visit the monument on their desire, they added.

A large number of students of various schools, colleges and universities in the country also came to see it during February and March, the months considered to be ideal for arranging student trips, but they were disappointed to learn that it had been closed.

“I have been a regular visitor to the monument since my childhood, especially during summer, because of trees there and its close proximity to my residence,” said a clerk who works at the Civil Secretariat. He criticised the government for closing it on the pretext of restoration work.

PAD director-general Orya Maqbool Jan told Dawn that since the PHA was restoring the grass it could not take risk of opening the monument for visitors. However, he said it would be opened for public in two weeks. He claimed that foreigners were allowed to visit it.

Under a Punjab government’s recently launched project, the gardens, Naqqar Khana, Arz Begi building, perimeter wall, Aramgah-i-Shahjahan, corner towers, summer pavilion, main entrance, Khawabgah buildings, moorcraft building, Royal hamam, old well and reservoir and Daulat Khana-i-Khas of the monument would be restored in five years.

Built by Shah Jahan in 1642, the Shalamar Gardens are on the world heritage list, besides archaeological site of Moenjodaro, historic monuments of Thatha, archaeological remains of Taxila, Buddhist ruins of Takht-i-Bhai, city remains at Sehri Bahlol, Rohtas and Lahore forts.

Encroachments and traffic outside the monument are a threat to its existence. The unique hydraulic system for its gardens was part of the Inayat and Angoori baghs, which do not exist any more. During the British rule, the hydraulic system was disconnected from the Gardens owing to the construction of GT Road. In 1998, half of the hydraulic system was demolished by the government in order to widen the road. The adjoining fountain built by the LDA has also been demolished. —Zulqernain Tahir