LAHORE - Dera Sahib Gurdawara is an important heritage site. The Samadh of Mahraja Ranjeet Singh is also located there. The Evacuee Trust Property Board has been taking care of the monument. It carried out repairs for beautification and built modern constructions that have affected the whole complexion of the heritage site. Now Punjab Archaeology Department has initiated a project to rescue the monument and restore the original beauty of Gurdwara. 

Conservationists from India visited the place three times last year. They pointed out the damage done to the building and site. The building may appear to be a shining structure from the outside. But many alterations have been made in recent years. 

The panels of Fresco paintings have been badly damaged and need urgent restoration efforts. The main gate of Gurdwara has been closed. The Roshnai Gate has been closed. The Wall that once protected the city of Lahore has almost disappeared but one part near the Roshnai Gate remains but that too has not been properly preserved. The Evacuee Property Trust has built toilets near it and the whole old structure may disappear if no measures are taken to save it. 

Archaeology Department raised the issue before Environment Tribunal last month, which in its directive stopped all new constructions at the site and said only the department would be allowed to carry restoration work. The department has now worked out a plan to conserve the Gurdwara. Director General Archaeology Orya Maqbool Jan Abbasi is optimist about the whole project that is expected to cost around Rs 25 million. "A lot of damage has been done. The Wall of Akbar's period may disappear altogether if steps to save it are not taken. They have built modern constructions in the buildings including two corridors and installed new doors. The Roshnai Gate should be opened and the entrance should be from the other gate on the Badshahi Mosque side," he explained. A tin roof has also been placed at the place of langar, affecting the beauty of original structure. Thousands of Sikhs from India and across the world visit the Derab Sahib. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to salvage what is left after the so-called beautification and repair work done by the Trust. This may be the tip of an iceberg as the Trust may have adopted the same work procedures at other less popular heritage sites.