KARACHI: Misplaced exuberance ruins world heritage site
By Bhagwandas
KARACHI, Dec 6: Lack of coordination among various government departments was the highlight of the national seminar held in Jamshoro district on Ranikot -- one of the largest forts in the world.
According to sources, to support the tents erected for participants who attended the seminar, huge nails and hooks were hammered in the walls and floor of the monument, damaging it. Restoration of the centuries old structure is now almost impossible.
The sources said that generous use of cement and concrete in the restoration and rehabilitation carried out so far by the Sindh Culture Department and the district government rather than restoring the world’s largest fort had given it the look of new construction.
The fort, located in the Khirthar Mountain Range off the Indus Highway, being an important archaeological monument is controlled by the federal archaeology department and is also protected under the Antiquities Act, which forbids holding of programmes in protected monuments without prior permission from the department. Leave alone seeking the permission from the archaeology department, the organisers did not even bother to inform the archaeology department that a national seminar was to be organised at Merikot , right in the heart of Ranikot.
Responding to Dawn’s queries the archaeology department’s Sindh chief, Qasim Ali Qasim said his department had no information a seminar was to be held in Ranikot. What is strange is that the archaeology department staff posted at Ranikot did not try to stop the seminar nor inform the head office that a programme was being held.
The sources also said that Ranikot is within the Khirthar National Park, and to conduct any activity, information has to be given and permission obtained from the Sindh Wildlife Department, but even it was not informed. The carrying of firearms is also banned in the national park, but a large number of private guards of various guests were seen carrying guns. The seminar was scheduled to begin at 11.30 am, but started around 2.45pm.
The subject and venue of the seminar was so interesting that more guests, than expected turned up and many of them had to stand while others sat on the floor. The host, Jamshoro District Nazim Malik Asad Sikandar, who according to the programme printed on the invitation cards was to speak and present vote of thanks did not turn up at the seminar.
KARACHI, Dec 6: Lack of coordination among various government departments was the highlight of the national seminar held in Jamshoro district on Ranikot -- one of the largest forts in the world.
