| Shalimar Gardens most encroached monument |
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| Written by Hina Farooq the Daily Times | |
| Monday, 12 February 2007 | |
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After taking charge of heritage buildings and archaeological sites in Punjab from the Federal Archeology Department (FAD), the Punjab Archeology Department (PAD), in its latest move, has identified 106 houses, built near the Shalimar Gardens, as encroachments on heritage site-land. The PAD, in its report, Daily Times learnt, also points out other encroachments on or around historical sites, which are slated for removal, in line with the instructions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. PAD sources told Daily Times that the Special Premises Act (1975), which governs the Shalimar Gardens, stipulates that no construction can be undertaken on the premises of or near any protected monument or building. The PAD report points out that Shalimar Gardens is one of the most encroached-upon monuments in Lahore. The report also recommends that the government compensate all those who will be displaced when the encroachments are removed. Daily Times also learnt that the PAD has also called a meeting on February 8 (tomorrow) at its new Lahore Fort premises. The meeting will be attended by town nazims, the city district officer, FAD officials and Auqaf directors, and will discuss the cancellation of permission to construct around historical sites. PAD Director General Oriya Jan Maqbool told Daily Times that Shalimar Gardens was not the only monument affected by encroachments, adding that Jahangir’s Tomb also faced similar problems. The meeting would also discuss new conservation plans for all monuments transferred to it. | |
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