Punjab Archaeology budget 2014-15

Of the allocated amount, Rs329 million is for ongoing schemes and Rs52 million for the new schemes.

LAHORE: Government of Punjab has allocated Rs380 million for the archaeology in the fiscal budget for 2014-15 which is 22.7 per cent more than the allocated amount for the fiscal year 2013-14.

The allocated amount consists of Rs329 million for ongoing schemes and Rs52 million for the new schemes.

Vision

The vision of the Punjab government behind allocating Rs380 million is to protect the historical monuments and sites through conservation, preservation and minimal restoration as per international standards; and to undertake archaeology explorations, excavations, recoveries, documentation, interpretation and exhibition of material remains and artifacts

Objectives

The objectives of the provincial government for the fiscal year 2014-15 includes the retention of historical authenticity, aesthetic beauty and cultural value of the built heritage as per international standards, preservation of antiquities and establishment of archaeological museums, employment generations through engaging skilled artisans and craftsmen, establishment of interactive resource centres at major historical sites to raise awareness in masses especially the youth regarding safeguarding of heritage, development of tourist facilities to facilitate the visitors and collaboration with educational institutions for research in archaeology.

Strategic interventions

Punjab government will undertake the conservation and development of Shalamar garden, Lahore Fort, Taxila, Rohtas Fort, Jahangir's Tomb, tomb of Noor Jahan, Hiran Minar, Sher Singh's Baradari, Harrapa, Mughal Gardens Wah and tomb of Bibi Jiwindi in the fiscal year 2104-15.

The government also aims to restore the Old Baoli of Sher Shah Suri period at Wazirabad and the samadhs of Jhingar Shah Suthra and Bhai Wast Ram at Lahore.

The government strategy for 2014-15 also includes the development of Katas Raj Complex as a major step towards inter-faith harmony.

The government is planning to raise awareness about roots heritage by using the museums established at Gujrat, Kallar Kahar and Katas.