Orange Line train: ‘Use tunnel technology to preserve heritage buildings’
Activists say development works should not be at the cost of heritage
Activists say development works should not be at the cost of heritage. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
“Build the Train and Preserve the Heritage” (train bhi banao, virsa bhi bachao) was the slogan chanted by protesters at a demonstration in front of the Chauburji monument on Monday.
The activists said they had gathered at the monument to protest the procedures employed in the construction of the track for Orange Line Metro Train near the historic site. They said construction work near the monument was in violation of the law and demanded that the government drop the idea of constructing an elevated track in the proximity of the monument.
“We want the government to use tunnel technology proposed in the original feasibility study for the project,” said Fauzia Qureshi, a former principal of the National College of Arts.
She said an elevated track would not just obscure the view of the monument. She said vibrations from the train would damage the monument over the years. She suggested that digging work underway at the site might have already damaged the foundations of the building. Qureshi said tunnel technology was suitable for construction of such projects in the proximity of heritage or densely populated sites. She said the method should also be used for construction near other historic sites along the route. Shalamar Gardens and the General Post Office are two such buildings.
“The-dig-and-cover method is outdated. The government is not using tunnel technology because that will take longer and not allow it to use the project to gain publicity,”
Activist Imrana Tiwana stressed that the construction violated the Antiquities Act of 1975. She said the law stated that no construction work could be carried out within 200 feet of a heritage site.
Actor Omair Rana said the Chauburji monument was an important. He said development could be attained without causing damage to the city’s heritage. “I believe Lahoris are not the kind of people who like to erect building on the graves of their ancestors,” he said.
Activist Tamkinet Karim said she was not opposed to development works but she was against the manner in which some of the projects were carried out. “I appeal the government to reconsider the project plan and use tunnel technology to build the track in the vicinity of the site,” he said.
The Lahore Development Authority has approved construction of an elevated track for the Orange Line train near the Chauburji Monument. Work had started last month but was suspended when a stay order was issued by a court hearing petitions against acquisition of land for the project.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2015.
“Build the Train and Preserve the Heritage” (train bhi banao, virsa bhi bachao) was the slogan chanted by protesters at a demonstration in front of the Chauburji monument on Monday.
The activists said they had gathered at the monument to protest the procedures employed in the construction of the track for Orange Line Metro Train near the historic site. They said construction work near the monument was in violation of the law and demanded that the government drop the idea of constructing an elevated track in the proximity of the monument.
“We want the government to use tunnel technology proposed in the original feasibility study for the project,” said Fauzia Qureshi, a former principal of the National College of Arts.
She said an elevated track would not just obscure the view of the monument. She said vibrations from the train would damage the monument over the years. She suggested that digging work underway at the site might have already damaged the foundations of the building. Qureshi said tunnel technology was suitable for construction of such projects in the proximity of heritage or densely populated sites. She said the method should also be used for construction near other historic sites along the route. Shalamar Gardens and the General Post Office are two such buildings.
“The-dig-and-cover method is outdated. The government is not using tunnel technology because that will take longer and not allow it to use the project to gain publicity,”
Activist Imrana Tiwana stressed that the construction violated the Antiquities Act of 1975. She said the law stated that no construction work could be carried out within 200 feet of a heritage site.
Actor Omair Rana said the Chauburji monument was an important. He said development could be attained without causing damage to the city’s heritage. “I believe Lahoris are not the kind of people who like to erect building on the graves of their ancestors,” he said.
Activist Tamkinet Karim said she was not opposed to development works but she was against the manner in which some of the projects were carried out. “I appeal the government to reconsider the project plan and use tunnel technology to build the track in the vicinity of the site,” he said.
The Lahore Development Authority has approved construction of an elevated track for the Orange Line train near the Chauburji Monument. Work had started last month but was suspended when a stay order was issued by a court hearing petitions against acquisition of land for the project.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2015.