Daily Times

In single-minded pursuit of its ambition of building a train project in Lahore, it would appear that the Punjab government is willing to overlook any other important needs of citizens. In this process, the government is putting the overall character of the city at stake — as represented by its heritage sites. Though the Punjab government has allocated funding worth Rs 100 million to conserve heritage sites, it appears difficult to hope that the original character of monuments can be restored.

Let us consider the legal issues here. Under the Antiquities Act 1975, no development schemes and new construction can be undertaken near a heritage site, unless a distance of 200 feet is maintained. The Orange Line Metro Train Project is directly posing a threat to not only the Shalimar Gardens but also other heritage sites including the GPO building, the Jain Mandir and Chauburji. The concerns expressed by the civil society are quite valid and the Punjab government should review its approach.

The road along the Shalimar Gardens is so congested that the only solution is an underground route, at a 200-feet distance at the very least. The apathy shown by successive governments has already played havoc with heritage sites across the country. Mohenjodaro and Harappa have become the victims of neglect, delay and pillage.

Keeping in view political considerations, the Punjab rulers are bent upon completing the project at any cost before the next general elections. This is, to say the least, most short-sighted and unfortunate. Continuing ‘development’ at the cost of cultural assets, heritage and other national assets while ignoring the available and feasible solutions, is a lamentable approach. Above all, the plan for the project has posed a threat to countless poor and working-class localities on either side of the route in Lahore. The project has already left thousands of poor families homeless.

At such social and cultural cost, the Punjab government would do well to ask itself why such breakneck construction, with such callous single-mindedness, is necessary in the first place. *