TAXILA: The Punjab government has allocated Rs160 million for a three plan to restore and improve tourist facilities in Taxila.

According to the official sources in the Punjab archaeology department, the government has allocated Rs70 million for a three-year plan for preservation and restoration of different ancient sites in Sirkap, Mohra Moradu Stupa and Bhallar stupa. For this fiscal year 2022-23, sources said initially Rs20 million million has been allocated for execution of this plan.

Similarly, Mughal Garden Wah will also be restored in three phases which would cost Rs30 million. Sources added for the first phase a sum of Rs2.23 million has been released while the rest of over Rs27 million would be released in three phases by 2024-25. Sources said that these projects are scheduled to be completed till June 2025.

Sources further informed that for acquiring land for parking and tourist facilities at Dharmarajika Stupa, a sum of Rs50 million has been allocated. Initially, a sum of Rs25 million has been released for this fiscal year . The official sources said that this project is scheduled to be completed by June 2025.

Sources said this initiative would address the issue of blockage of approached path to the ancient stupa by a local land developer pending since 2018.

Mohammad Iqbal Manj, the deputy director of the Punjab archaeology department told Dawn on Thursday that the Taxila valley has important world heritage archaeological sites, having unique stupas and other allied structures.

He said the archeological sites of Taxila include Buddhist stupas from 5th century to 6th century AD and are enlisted as world cultural heritage in year 1980 and therefore, Punjab government is providing maximum financial resources for its upkeep and this multi million plan is part of this effort to preserve this heritage for coming generations.

He added that through this restoration and development project, the sites and monuments that would be conserved focusing on the World Heritage Sites such as Taxila, the department was paying attention for promotion of religious tourism through restoration, upkeep and improvement of tourists’ facilities at various Buddhist sites.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2022