Metro train construction: Judgement reserved on petition for protection of shrines

The shrines of Mauj Darya Bokhari and his wife Bibi Kalan will be affected by the construction of the project

LAHORE: A Lahore High Court bench reserved judgment on Wednesday on a petition on damage caused to historical buildings by the Orange Line Metro Train (OMLT) Project and its impact on the environment.

The court had asked the government to inform it about an order issued by Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Akbar on allocation of land of Mauj Darya shrine. The government’s counsel could not provide a satisfactory answer in this regard.

The shrines of Mauj Darya Bokhari and his wife Bibi Kalan will be affected by the construction of the Orange Line Metro Train project.

The train’s underground track will touch eastern walls of both shrines. Mauj Darya’s shrine was built in 1591 during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar. It is situated on Edward Road. Bibi Kalan’s shrine is located behind Kapurthala House.

The Mauj Darya shrine is currently managed by the Auqaf Department.

On March 24, 2016, the department issued an NoC regarding utilisation of its land. The department has mentioned that scant piling technique would be used to secure the existing structure and graves.

“In the unlikely event of any damage to the main building or adjacent properties, the executing agency shall restore them to their original condition,” the NOC reads.

Barrister Zargham Lukhesar, who moved the LHC to ensure that no construction activity was carried out within a 200-feet-radius of the shrine, told The Express Tribune that the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Ordinance 1985 and The Antiquities Act 1975 protected the building of the shrine.

He said the government wanted to demolish the mosque associated with the shrine to built a track.

He said Mauj Darya shrine was the oldest of all heritage buildings on the OLMT route.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2016.