Rewind: Govt digs in deep to preserve Swat’s history

Purchases 12 archaeological sites from private owners.

MINGORA:

Preserving archaeological sites in Swat Valley has become a hard task to accomplish. Even though there are a large number of historic locations in the region, they are mainly situated on privately-owned land. 

However, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has now taken matters into its own hands and decided to purchase 12 sites across the valley. The district administration in Swat plans to iron out any rough edges involved in this transaction.

Statue of Buddha in Ghalegay

Faizur Rehman, curator of Swat Museum, told The Express Tribune all legal requirements for the land acquisition process have been completed with the district administration’s assistance.

“Though the landowners have not been paid yet, the demarcation of their property has been completed under the Land Acquisition Act,” he said.

Cheaper by the dozen

The sites include Mahmood Ghaznavi Mosque, Barikot, Butkara III, Jurjurai Stupa, Shneysha Stupa, Abbasahib-Cheena, Balokaley Gumbat, Ghalegay Statue, Jahanabad Buddha, Shingardar Stupa, Barikot Miana and Amluk Dara Stupa. In 1956, a large number of these sites were leased from private owners by the Italian Archaeological Mission. They excavated the sites and hired guards to protect them.

Balokaley Gumbat in Kandak Valley

Over time, the relevant authorities turned a blind eye to these sites, and, as a result, to the destruction of history. Private owners encroached these landmarks. Some have even started destroying them to construct new buildings.

Action and reaction

According to Rehman, the government’s decision to purchase these sites is half the battle won. He hailed the decision as a practical and positive step.

Mahmud Ghaznavi Mosque in Odigram

“Swat Valley houses archaeological sites from various civilisations but they are in shambles,” said Rehman. “The archaeological department repeatedly urged previous governments to purchase these sites. However, only the incumbent government has gone beyond making empty promises and has taken an initiative in this regard.”

Sky is the limit

The curator believes each small step taken by the government to salvage the past will result in a giant leap in the preservation of archaeologically valuable locations in the valley.

Butkara III – a Buddhist stupa in Swat

“Once these sites have been purchased, they will be open to the public,” Rehman said, “Researchers and students will be allowed to visit.” He added the sites will provide a venue for archaeology students from University of Swat where they can gain professional training.

Rehman maintained this entire move will also encourage tourists to start visiting the valley once again.

“We cannot restrict these sites to archaeologists or researchers,” he said. “Even an ordinary tourist would find these places appealing. This will boost the local economy and bring prosperity to Swat Valley.”

However, the curator insisted this was simply the first step in many which will be taken to protect these places. “I hope the government will take this initiative seriously and acquire more archaeological sites in the valley,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2015.