LAHORE: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has started preparing Rs159 million PC-1 for conservation and restoration of the dilapidated western boundary wall and gate of the Shalimar Gardens, that would be submitted to the Punjab government for approval soon.

According to a senior official of the authority, the WCLA has already completed the conservation work on the eastern wall of Shalimar Gardens with the cost of Rs14m, whereas the work on its main gate is in progress. It is being conserved at the cost of Rs7.5m and will complete till the end of next month.

“Heritage conservation is a meticulous and time-consuming process that requires in-depth study and analysis of historical structures. One of the most urgent challenges identified was

the deterioration of the monument’s western boundary wall and gate, caused by the drainage issues. Given its critical condition, a PC-1 proposal with an estimated cost of Rs102m for terrace-I boundary wall and of Rs75m for Arz-e-Begi wall has been prepared. This project will be completed within three years of its starting date,” WCLA’s Director of Conservation and Planning Mr Najamul Saqib explained in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the administrative control of the Shalimar Gardens was officially handed over to the WCLA on May 31, 2023, after decades of neglect. Since then, under the guidance of an advisory committee, the WCLA has launched multiple projects aimed at restoring and enhancing the gardens’ infrastructure.

In a short span the WCLA has undertaken crucial restoration efforts, focusing on stabilising and revitalising key elements of the gardens, including grassing and landscaping, to restore the garden’s aesthetic appeal, besides flooring repairs for improved accessibility, he said.

He said that work was also underway on introduction of golf carts for tourists’ convenience, upgrade of washrooms and drinking water stations, installation of benches to enhance visitors comfort, installation of security cameras for better monitoring, improving illumination to highlight the gardens’ beauty at night and fountain restoration to preserve their original structure and function.

To ensure accuracy in conservation, the authority has also implemented cutting-edge 3D laser scanning technology, meticulously documenting the intricate architectural details of the Shalimar Gardens. These efforts will help safeguard its historical essence, while facilitating precise restoration work,” he maintained.

“Our focus is on preserving the site’s historical essence while addressing its immediate structural needs,” he said, adding that to ensure a meticulous approach, National Engineering Service Pakistan (NESPAK) has been appointed as the consultancy for overseeing the restoration work in different parts of the gardens. The involvement of UNESCO experts has further validated the WCLA’s conservation efforts, he said.

Beyond structural restoration, the authority will also improve the dedicated nursery to support the botanical preservation of the gardens. Such enhancements aim to transform Shalimar Gardens into a world-class tourist destination, contributing to Lahore’s cultural preservation and boosting the local economy.

Meanwhile, the WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari shas said Shalimar Gardens is not just a testament to Lahore’s illustrious past but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. “Our priority is its preservation using modern scientific methods to maintain its grandeur,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2025