LAHORE, May 19: The under-ground chambers of Mughal period have been discovered in the Walled City. The federal archaeology department has confirmed that the chambers, discovered while digging for a basement of a plaza in Sheranwala Gate, dates back to Mughal period.

“Two rows of chambers with thick walls making a narrow passage, possibly to the fort’s chambers have been discovered,” federal archaeology department’s senior architecture Maqsood Ahmad told Dawnon Friday.

He said the plaster and niche were in good condition. Some 10 to 15 feet down from the ground level, its super structure was of Sikh period, he said and added that thorough study would explain the other details.

Mr Ahmad says under the Antiquity Act 1975 and the Punjab Special Premises Ordinance 1986, no construction is allowed on the historical sites. He stressed coordination between the federal and provincial archaeology departments and city district government Lahore to protect the place. A large number of people have been gathering there for the last few days to see the discovered structure. However, the administration of Ravi Town has erected a gate to prevent them from viewing the site.