LARKANA: Unesco expert Thierry Joffroy, who had visited Mohenjo Daro from October 21 to 28 to assess the damage caused by recent rains and flooding in Sindh, has called for revising the conservation manual in view of the climate change impact as the region may witness torrential rains and floods in monsoons.

The conservation guidelines provided in the manual should be revised due to the potential threat to protect the world heritage site from damage, he said, and pointed out that the manual was 25 years old and the site’s master plan was also approved 50 years ago.

During his week-long stay, Mr Joffroy had extensively visited the site along with the conservation staff of the culture department and minutely observed impact of the heavy rains on the structures.

The Unesco expert has shared the report with the department, sources privy to the conservation project told Dawn. It has estimated that the conservation project will require several years, probably three years, and the current situation should be taken as an opportunity to invest in an in-depth reflection for better preparation of Mohenjo Daro site to the potential future impacts of climate change.

Fears further damage to the world heritage site in future due to climate change impact

Such a project would include research and experimentation on a variety of aspects -- selection of materials, improvement of mortar, bricks resistance, increased salt control, major changes in drainage system etc. If the project expands it would require specific funding, probably around $1 million, the report said.

The expert said it was important to address immediate conservation needs with the goal of minimising the exposure of the structures at the site before the arrival of next monsoon, starting July 2023. Immediate decisions should be made to reinforce the capacity of Mohenjo Daro conservation team in the initial phase of the proposed project.

Mr Joffroy in his report said that the team of experts presently engaged at the site should focus on the most urgent technical work of underpinning and simultaneous repair of retaining walls and room drainage. The team must work on water outlets system where they do not exist, starting from the citadel area, then the DK, HR and VS areas.

He also stressed the need for undertaking a ‘specific study’ on ‘Ancient Drainage System’ in consultation with national experts so that antique solutions could be given priority while taking decisions on conservation. The report recommended urgent allocation of an overall amount of $70,000 to the Mohenjo Daro conservation team to achieve the objective.

The Unesco expert also said that in order to complete the implementation of the emergency intervention -- stabilisation of structures at risk and a first set of drainage improvement -- where priority would be given to rooms that had no water outlets system. It should be ensured that the whole regular yearly maintenance schedule is addressed in all areas of the site.

The second international mission of the Unesco expert is planned for January 2023, while regular Zoom meetings, email exchanges will be organised twice a month until then to follow up progress of both detailed condition survey and works at site. The second mission will aim at finalising a detailed plan for the in situ works to be undertaken.

However, if main stakeholders are convinced by the relevance of launching a full revision of the conservation and management plan of the site, part of the time allocated to the international expert could be devoted to assist in the preparation of a project document, to be presented to potential donors, the report said.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2022