$1m approved for Sheikhupura Fort

LAHORE: A project for restoration and conservation of the Sheikhupura Fort, to be completed in three years, has been approved by the Archaeology Department and received a $1 million allocation from the US Ambassador.

This is the largest amount to be allocated for the restoration of an archaeological site in Pakistan by the US so far.

Seeking anonymity, an Archaeology Department official, told The Express Tribune that during the first phase, remnants of the meticulous fresco, encasing the fort’s inner wall and gates and brick structure will be repaired.

“During the second phase, the missing lattice work and the damaged wooden work will be refurbished. The third phase of the project, will involve lighting the structure, restoring its landscaping, and building vista points and other recreational facilities, to encourage people to visit.” Restoration work will also be carried out at the Sikh Haveli at the fort housing many Mughal-era paintings, he said.

“All the dented and dilapidated structures and parts will be retouched to prevent any further decay.”

The summary, encompassing the restoration plan provides that the restoration work will commence in September or October. Comprehensive historical and technical research will be conducted by the academia from both US and Pakistan. They, then, will discuss it with the Archaelogical department officials, before announcing the final dates for starting the work. The project has also undertaken in part to provide a platform to strengthen cultural and academic ties between the two countries, the document reads. US Consul General Carmela Conroy, along with the Archaeology Departments officials recently visited the fort, currently closed to the public.

He said the fort will be open to public upon completion of the project. However it will be open to architecture, archaeology or history students during the conservation work.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2010.