Daily Times

Flood impact: Mohenjo Daro likely to be removed from World Heritage List

The Mohenjo Daro conservation and restoration efforts have received urgent attention from the department of archaeology. If the work is not finished, the site may be removed from the list of important historical locations.

According to recent estimates, catastrophic flooding and poor meteorological conditions caused Mohenjo Daro to experience record rainfall, totaling 779.5mm. Between August 16 and August 26, it continuously rained.

This catastrophic downpour severely damaged the site and partially collapsed numerous walls, including the wall that enclosed the stupa dome.

It is significant to note that the curator of the site wrote to the director of culture, antiquities, and archaeology on August 29 to inform him that they had used all of their resources to protect the monument. The irrigation, roads, highways, and forests of the other department, however, were very important for preserving the world heritage site.

Additionally, landlords and farmers had cut canals and roads as well as constructed popes in order to pour water into Mohenjo Daro’s channel. The aforementioned departments’ neglect caused nearby agricultural lands’ disposal canals to become full of water.

Flood impact: Mohenjo Daro likely to be removed from World Heritage List

Despite water getting inside the school, it took longer than expected to dry off the area. As the Indus level keeps increasing, they are also afraid of another grave problem.

Nobody turned to examine the area and evaluate the situation, it continued. Rain causes a wall of various buildings to crumble. It requires top priority.

They also admitted that despite their best efforts, they had failed to get in touch with the local irrigation authorities.

The archaeology official immediately made contact with the irrigation and highways departments to arrange for the removal of pipes, repair of ruptured canal dykes, and restoration of bunds.

In order to assess the damage caused by catastrophic rain to cultural assets, the curator also suggested sending engineers and conservators.

While the restoration of the structures’ damaged components is currently being done by Mohenjo Daro’s archaeology department.