HYDERABAD, Oct 31: Officials of the archaeology department are facing resistance in removing encroachments around archaeological sites in Sindh not only from encroachers but also from government departments and law-enforcing agencies, including army and navy, as they are paying no heed to their notices, seeking possession of areas which are protected under the Antiquities Act 1975.

The Supreme Court on August 6 had ordered removal of all encroachments in and around the archaeological sites throughout the country and sought a report by November 6. The an order was passed by the court while hearing an identical matter of Lahore city. Subsequently all Chief Secretaries were directed by the federal government with regard to court’s directives. Thereafter, the district administrations had started holding meetings with archaeological department to ensure restoration of possession of their sites to them after clearing them from encroachers’ possession.

Official sources and documents available with Dawn revealed that there are 134 archaeological sites in Sindh and of them 24-are chronic cases of encroachments or illegal possessions in protected areas. Section 22 of Antiquities Act 1975 prohibits any structure or construction within 200 feet of protected sites’ outer portion.The archaeology department, that doesn’t have its own force or resources to get possession of such sites, has to seek assistance from police or provincial government. However, over the years such help was not forthcoming always since influence of ruling parties’ parliamentarians has always been there.

Correspondences with concerned department or encroacher are on record but nothing tangible has been done for restoring possession of protected sites. Notices that are required under Antiquities Act 1975 are issued but their enforcement remained a big question for fear of law and order situation.

Of these sites, the erection of cellular phone company tower is disturbing view of 5000 years old civilisation of Moen Jo Daro which stretched over around 55 acres in Larkana while cultivation is in progress too. The department needs some demarcation but revenue department had been avoiding it so far. “It gives a modern touch to this years -old civilisation”, said an official. The archaeological department is in need of demarcation of not only Moen Jo Daro but other sites by the revenue department. As for Moenjodaro, the DCO of Larkana is demanding notification which was issued as far back in April 23,1921 under which the site was declared as protected.