These measures would hopefully uplift the condition of the historical site
RAWALPINDI: Our Motherland is a beautiful place, from snow-capped mountain ranges to lush forests and from historical fortresses to magnificent mosques. There is still so much to discover about what this heaven on Earth has to offer but alas, what we already have is not being taken care of.
I recently visited Rohtas Fort and was horrified when I saw the condition it was in. Along with no guards stationed anywhere, and the graffiti on the walls, there was no cleanliness. It was as though the fort ground had been turned into a dump for wrappers and soft drink cans. It seemed like it hadn’t been cleaned in years. There were no signs of cleaners or any official authority anywhere, except the entry ticket attendants. As for the preservation efforts of the fort, none was seen. There was an abundance of bushes growing everywhere, including the pathways.
It is imperative to take steps immediately to control the situation. Although prevention is better than cure, we should rid the area of the garbage quickly and work towards future prevention methods. The authorities can issue fines for people who litter and vandalise. Guards should be manning the stations around the fort to keep a check on the behaviour of tourists. Boundaries should be marked around delicate areas undergoing renovation without interference, as well as making it safer for visitors. These measures would hopefully uplift the condition of the historical site and make it a better experience for visitors.
Abdullah Bin Muhammad
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2016.
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