LAHORE: A special committee of experts constituted by the Supreme Court has expressed concern over the improper repair, maintenance and conservation of various heritage sites along the route of Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project.

The [committee] members, who visited 11 heritage sites along the route from Jan 14 to 15, have also sought immediate repair and maintenance of the sites in a professional manner.

According to a report, the committee headed by Sayed Zahid Hussain (former SC judge) and consisted of members including Zahid Saleem Gondal (director general, archaeology) Hammadul Hasssan (project director), Furqan Ali Malik (Nespak chief engineer), retired Prof Khurshid Ahmed, Dr Rizwan Riaz, Muhammad Afzal Khan, Maqsood Ahmed Malik, Raja Tariq Nazir and Muhammad Naeem Iqbal visited buildings of GPO, Shah Chiragh mazar and mosque, Supreme Court registry, Saint Andrew Church, Mauj Darya shrine and mosque, Chauburji Gateway and Zaibun Nisa Tomb on Tuesday. Similarly it visited Shalamar Garden, Buddu Ka Awa, Ghulabi Bagh and Lakshmi on Monday.

The committee observed that plaster inside the shrine of Shah Chiragh Tomb has decayed and there were also signs of dampness. Rafique Noor (EXEN, Auqaf department) on the occasion briefed the committee members that work on the renovation and conservation of the shrine and the mosque, which was constructed during the era of Shah Jahan, has commenced.

Similarly the paint, marble flooring, fresco paint, roof treatment and conservation work will also be carried out and visible changes will be made by the end of February 2019. The team noted that though major work on Saint Andrew Church was completed, a storm drain and ramp outside the church is yet to be constructed.

The committee witnessed removal of debris from the Mauj Darya shrine and completion of three temporary stairs at the shrine. However, it observed that construction of the retaining wall was yet to be launched due to paucity of funds. The team found tiles on the entrance to the shrine broken and the platform outside it required finishing. The team, however, appreciated the mosaic tile work at outer lawn of the Chauburji. The team observed that the gateway was yet to be converted into green belt despite availability of funds with the executing agencies.

On the occasion, the LDA officials told the committee that boundary wall, footpath and drain of both GPO and Supreme Court registry have been completed. However, the committee noticed that exhaust ducks boundary wall is yet to be completed.

The members found heaps in the Zaibun Nisa shrine. Similarly, according to them, red stone and fresco work of the tomb required finishing. Back side of the tomb needed some repair as there were some cracks in the tomb.

Earlier while visiting other sites, the committee members were told by the officials that the hydraulic tank of the Shalamar Gardens has been restored to its original position and the surrounding portion converted into green area. They also claimed that decorative motifs of Shalamar Gardens have been replicated on the train station of Shalamar Garden to create harmony.

However, the committee emphasised the need to conserve and protect the monuments like Shalamar Gardens strictly in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court. The committee also found maintenance of Buddu Ka Awa not up to the mark. However, it commended the efforts of conserving Gulabi Bagh Gateway.

The committee noticed appearance of cracks in Lakshmi building and directed the officials for strengthening the columns and filling of the cracks within the shortest possible time.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2019