Dilkash Lahore : Float parade, laser shows, bus safari planned

Around 18 historic buildings will also be restored.

LAHORE:

As many as 18 historic buildings have been nominated for restoration under the Dilkash Lahore Project’s second phase, The Express Tribune has learnt.

The project is expected to cost around Rs50 million.

The Dilkash Lahore Project was launched by city government in October 2012. It aimed to restore historical buildings and preserve the original architecture of the city. The facade of four buildings on The Mall, Shah Din Building, Ghulam Rasool Building, Bawa Dinga Singh Building and Ahmad Mansion (Lakshmi Mansion) were restored under the project. Later in 2013, the project extended to five more buildings on The Mall.

The Dilkash Lahore Committee met on January 31, 2014, and approved a plan to restore 18 more buildings. Nine of these buildings are at Lakshmi Chowk, eight are on The Mall and one at Taxali Chowk. The buildings approved for restoration on The Mall are Dhoni Chan, Dawar Building, Chip John Building, Alfred Building, H Karim Baksh Building, Dayal Singh Mansion, Ganga Ram Trust Building and Co-opera Building near Dayal Singh Mansion.

The committee also approved the renovation of footpaths and installation of benches on The Mall. The bus stops on the road will be designed anew. The most interesting feature of the project is the plan to operate a Lahore Safari, on a double-decker bus.

Under the project, several buildings on The Mall and Chauburji have already been illuminated with special lights.

The government has been planning to hold laser light shows for quite some time. Committee members suggested that the shows could be held at various locations with themes reflecting Pakistan’s culture.

The committee also approved a plan to hold a Burj Show and events incorporating floating sky lanterns. They said safety measure should be ensured at all costs.

The committee also approved the concept for a city float parade. Committee members suggested that schools, colleges and universities students could participate in the parade, which should be organised in all nine towns. The main parade would be held on March 23.

The project digest (Planning Commission proforma 1) of the project has been prepared by the Buildings-II district office and has been sent to the Lahore district coordination officer for approval.

Buildings-II District Officer Rao Khursheed said Rs22 million has been proposed for the restoration of dilapidated buildings and Rs5 million for Lahore Safari.

He said that they already had double-decker buses so the budget would only be used for repairs and cosmetic changes.

Khursheed said Rs2 million had been allocated for the repair of footpaths and bus stops and Rs8 million for lighting.  The remaining amount would be used for lanterns, floats and miscellaneous items, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2014.