Saplings planted at Rohtas Fort

Official reviews ongoing Rohtas Hundred Acre Plantation Project

JHELUM:

Secretary Tourism Punjab Ehsan Bhatta visited Jhelum district and planted saplings at Rohtas Fort under the spring plantation drive.

The official said that the Punjab Forestry Department is determined to implement a clean and green vision of the Punjab government. He urged the officers to play an active role in making the Green Pakistan campaign successful and timely completion of development projects compatible with the public's interest.

The official also reviewed plantation and tourism projects. He inspected the ongoing conservation work of the archaeological sites, including the Rohtas Hundred Acre Plantation Project.

The secretary was also briefed about the decoration of Tilla Jogian Rest House and the National Park which are tourist destinations. The official said that making tourist places eco-friendly is the vision of the Punjab government. The best possible facilities would be provided to the tourists, he added.

The secretary directed the officials concerned of the Jhelum Forestry Department to continue work and complete them on time. Later, he met the Jhelum deputy commissioner and discussed various issues regarding the upgradation of historical places in the Jhelum district.

Last year, the Punjab government has allocated Rs1.25 billion for the provision of quality tourism facilities and rehabilitation of roads around Rohtas Fort.

Under the provincial government’s plan for the protection and restoration of historical heritages, the second largest fort in Pakistan, which has historical significance, will be equipped with modern tourism facilities.

The 12-door fort is spread over 12 acres in Jhelum district and its past is enriched with historical tales.

The special entrance to the fort from GT Road is attributed to Khawas Khan Marwat, the brave general and eloquent son of Sher Shah Suri while the door near the canteen and well is reminiscent of the glass gate decorated with the bright blue bricks of its time.

The then Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister Asif Mehmood has said that Rs1.25 billion has been allocated to improve condition of this historic fort and to benefit the economy of the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2022.