Divisive project: LDA hopes to secure archaeology NOC in a week

Archaeology Dept unable to corroborate assertion

LAHORE: The Archaeology Department has identified seven heritage sites along the route of the Orange Line Metro Train project.

Construction under the project without the department’s permission would violate the 200-feet-limit stipulated in the Antiquities Act 1975. Section 22 of the Act makes it mandatory to obtain the permission of the Archaeology Department’s director before any such work in carried out in the vicinity of a heritage site. The department is yet to give a green light to the Lahore Development Authority in this connection.

Among the seven heritage sites identified by the department, stands the Chauburji. Construction work has already kicked off in the landmark’s vicinity much to the chagrin of civil society organisations. The Lahore Bachao Tehreek has claimed that construction work is being carried out within 40 feet of the monument. The movement claims this could wreak havoc on the structure.

Construction work will be carried out within 95 feet of Shalimar Gardens. The tomb of Zebunnissa, one of the daughters of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, is also among the sites that fall on the project’s route. Construction work is being carried out within 110 feet from the monument which is situated on Multan Road. Two sites on Grand Trunk Road have also been identified. These include Budu’s tomb, situated at a distance of 80 feet from the construction site, and Gulabi Bagh. Construction work will be carried out at a distance of 69 feet from the rose garden. Construction work will also be carried out in the vicinity of the General Post Office on The Mall and Lakshmi Building on McLeod Road.

LDA Chief Engineer Azhar Syed told The Express Tribune that the authority would receive the requisite permission from the Archaeology Department within a week. Archaeology Department Deputy Director Afzal Khan was not able to authenticate the LDA’s assertion. “We are currently engaged in consultations with the LDA to find common ground. No NoC has been issued by the department yet,” Khan said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2015.