LAHORE: In an effort to beautify different archeological monuments and heritage sites, so far 11 such structures have been illuminated by Punjab government and more are being considered for the purpose.

To make heritage sites of Punjab more attractive for visitors, a project was initiated by the previous government to illuminate such places to promote them.

The Directorate of Archaeology (DoA) was advised by Punjab government to install dustbins, develop walkways, build canteens, toilets, make seating arrangements, carry out horticulture work and illuminate buildings for night tourism as part of a scheme under the Annual Development Programme (ADP).

The ADP scheme, comprising illumination of 11 heritage sites was completed within the prescribed time.

Of these sites, five are located in Lahore -- Shalamar Garden, Zaib un Nisa’s Tomb, Samadhi of Bhai Vasti Ram, Javed Manzil (Iqbal Museum) and Qutbuddin Aibak’s Tomb. Others include Sheikhupura Fort, Rohtas Fort, Katas Raj Temples, Taxila Museum, Qah garden, Omar Hayyat Mahal in Chiniot and Ghazi Khan’s Tomb (Dera Ghazi Khan).

The government is also considering execution of a plan to illuminate Hiran Minar (Sheikhupura), Takht e Babri (Kalar Kahar), Ram Piyari Museum (Gujrat), Chouburji Garden, Tomb of Bahadur Khan, Nadira Begum’s Tomb (Lahore) and several other monuments soon.

Besides, more lights have been installed at Shalamar Gardens, a Unesco world heritage site, as well to make it stand out.

Tourism Secretary Ehsan Bhutta says: “To promote heritage, various initiatives are in the pipeline to be executed soon. These sites will be showcased along with images of their ‘before-and-after’ condition, so that people should know about the minute details of the work our Directorate of Archaeology is doing. Restoration and preservation is a huge process with so much hard work that has to be done under the guidelines and international standards of heritage preservation and DoA is doing it wonderfully.”

“Illuminated heritage places in Punjab are promoting night tourism culture. Preserving the art and culture of our ancestors and promoting it has been the manifesto of Punjab tourism department,” adds Mr Bhutta.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2022