Heritage: Archaeology budget cut by 16 per cent

Rs294 million allocated for ongoing and new schemes.

LAHORE:

The budget for the Archaeology Department has been decreased to Rs294 million for 2013-2014 from Rs350 million for 2012-13.

Of the allocated amount, Rs227.41 million has been earmarked for ongoing schemes and Rs66.58 million for new schemes.

The objectives set by the provincial government in the 2013-14 budget include excavation of important archaeology sites; conservation, restoration and preservation to retain the cultural authenticity, aesthetic beauty; historic, scientific and cultural values of the monuments and historical buildings for our culture generations; preservation of antiquities and establishment of archaeological museums, training and encouragement of craftsmen and other artisan for conservation.

The government aims to implement these plans by the preservation and restoration of Shalamar Garden, Lahore Fort, Anarkali’s Tomb, historical gates of Lahore and by carrying out a master plan for preservation and restoration of Rohtas Fort, Taxila and Jehangir’s Tomb.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2013.