Restoration of 11 forts in Cholistan recommended

Survey report points out deterioration, occupation of sites

MULTAN:

An archaeological survey report has recommended restoration of 11 forts in Cholisatn whose structures remain partially intact.

The Archaeological Department has completed the survey for the restoration of the historic forts in the Cholistan area of Bahawalpur. The survey report has been sent to the director general Archaeological Department Punjab. The report indicates that the remains of a fort have been destroyed. However, there are 11 forts that can be saved from extinction if archaeologists take over the premises and begin the restoration work immediately.

According to the report, while one fort has been lost, 20% of the remains of Qila Dingarh were found.

However, the Mojgarh Fort is in a better condition. Its exterior wall and interior structure are prominent and 50% of the relics are left. The Marwat Fort is in the form of a mound. It will have to be excavated for restoration because there is a population around it.

According to the archaeological report, the condition of Fort Mirgarh and Fort Jamgarh is slightly better and only 30% of the buildings have collapsed. External and internal structures are conspicuous and the remaining parts can be restored.

There are illegal occupants in some parts of Phultra Fort. Despite this, the condition of the fort is also better and its 40% portion has been lost.

Similarly, only the outer mud walls of Qila Nawankot are present and only 20% of the structure remains intact. Fort Bijnot covers a large space in terms of area but only its foundations have survived and the rest of the building structure is gone. Therefore, in terms of the structure, only 30% of the fort remains.

According to the Archaeological Department, Qila Khangarh and Qila Rukanpur are made of stone which is found locally. About 50 per cent of the ruins of Qila Khangarh and only 30% of Rukanpur Fort remain.

The report sent to the DG archaeology suggested that the department should first issue a notification to take over the possession of the historical forts.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2020.