Historic open-air theatre in Lahore at risk of damage from development project
Members of the Punjab Arts Council are protesting against the construction of a water tank in the premises
LAHORE:
The Punjab Arts Council recently allotted a portion of the land that comprised of the historical Baag e Jinnah to Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Lahore for the construction of an underground mega tank. The decision has not been well received by members of the theatre and artist fraternity including those within the Punjab Arts Council.
Many have argued that even the smallest water leakage in the tank could result in significant damage to the site.
"We are are opposed of the idea of the construction of an underground water storage tank near a hill. If water were to leak from the tank, the whole open air theater along with the hill could be demolishesd This is the worst idea from an engineering standpoint. The whole department is against it," a senior official of Punjab Council of Arts said while seeking anonymity.
The official has went on to allege that certain high profile individuals from various departments including the Punjab Arts Council and WASA have vested interests in the project. "The reality of the situation is that the project is worth Rs.250 million. As such big names of Punjab Arts Council, Walled City Authority, Parking and Horticulture Authority and WASA have their financial interest in it. It is a shame that this place of historic significance could be completely destroyed due to their financial interest" the official said.
"We request both the Punjab and Federal government to stop construction of this underground water storage tank in the land of Open Air theatre," the official added.
Meanwhile according to the official agreement between the Punjab Council of Arts and WASA the later will bear the responsibility for any damage to the hill during the construction.
"Since the hill is man made, there is a possibility that it could be damaged due to water seapage. We have requested WASA to review it's construction techniques from an engineering perspective in this regard. If everything checkout, we have no objection to the construction," said Abrar Alam Sahib Director Operation Punjab Arts Council.
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The Punjab Arts Council recently allotted a portion of the land that comprised of the historical Baag e Jinnah to Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Lahore for the construction of an underground mega tank. The decision has not been well received by members of the theatre and artist fraternity including those within the Punjab Arts Council.
Many have argued that even the smallest water leakage in the tank could result in significant damage to the site.
"We are are opposed of the idea of the construction of an underground water storage tank near a hill. If water were to leak from the tank, the whole open air theater along with the hill could be demolishesd This is the worst idea from an engineering standpoint. The whole department is against it," a senior official of Punjab Council of Arts said while seeking anonymity.
The official has went on to allege that certain high profile individuals from various departments including the Punjab Arts Council and WASA have vested interests in the project. "The reality of the situation is that the project is worth Rs.250 million. As such big names of Punjab Arts Council, Walled City Authority, Parking and Horticulture Authority and WASA have their financial interest in it. It is a shame that this place of historic significance could be completely destroyed due to their financial interest" the official said.
"We request both the Punjab and Federal government to stop construction of this underground water storage tank in the land of Open Air theatre," the official added.
Meanwhile according to the official agreement between the Punjab Council of Arts and WASA the later will bear the responsibility for any damage to the hill during the construction.
"Since the hill is man made, there is a possibility that it could be damaged due to water seapage. We have requested WASA to review it's construction techniques from an engineering perspective in this regard. If everything checkout, we have no objection to the construction," said Abrar Alam Sahib Director Operation Punjab Arts Council.
Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.