LAHORE, July 31: After 35 years or so, fountains and water channels at the third terrace of Shalamar Gardens will come to life. The Shalamar Gardens or Shalamar Bagh are a Mughal monument built in 1642 by Emperor Shah Jahan.

An official of the Punjab Archaeology Department told Dawn on Tuesday the Shalamar Gardens would be open for the public till 10.30pm after the installation of a lighting system at the gardens.

The fountains of Faiz Buksh terrace have been out of order since 1972 after its water pipelines and fountains were clogged due to accumulation of zinc. The restoration of the pipelines is in final stages and will complete in two months.

Punjab Archaeology Department director general Shahbaz Khan told this reporter the restoration of the water channels and fountains of the third terrace would cost Rs3.9 million.

He said once the restoration of the water-system of Faiz Baksh terrace was complete, people would see a picturesque scene of flowing water channels and running fountains illuminated at night.

He said two electronic companies had contacted the archaeology department with their proposals to install lightings. He said Shalamar Gardens and Lahore Fort would simultaneously be illuminated.

He said Naqar Khana at Shalamar Gardens had been restored and the public would enter the gardens from Naqar Khana while the outer area of Naqar Khana would be used for parking.

Mr Khan said chief minister Pervaiz Elahi had taken the initiative to restore the monuments and Rs300 million each were allocated for the conservation and restoration of Shalamar Gardens and Lahore Fort.

The Shalamar Gardens was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jehan in 1642. Originally, the gardens had seven ascending terraces, but now only three can be found.