Islamabad: The Pakistan government has drawn up plans for restoration of the historic Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens, Lahore city's landmarks built during the Mughal era.

Two separate plans, stretched over 8 to 10 years, have been approved by the Punjab Planning and Development Board, the Dawn newspaper said.

Initial fund allocations have been made: Rs.30 million will be spent on the Lahore Fort and Rs.500 million on the Shalamar Gardens during the current financial year.

The archaeology department had sought Rs.300 million each for the two projects. But the board decided that the entire funds need not be allocated at one go.

Out of the Rs.500 million approved for the Shalamar Gardens, Rs.450 million would be spent on constructing drainage outside its outer walls to protect them from underground water that seeps in from areas around the monument.

The biggest threat to the Shalamar Gardens is underground water and if a drainage system is not built around the monument its wall could collapse soon.