ISLAMABAD, June 18: The culture ministry will carry out 16 projects worth Rs355.495 millions for promotion of culture and restoration of forts during the financial year 2004-5, official sources told Dawn here on Friday.

The largest amount will be spent on the completion of National Art Gallery at sector F/5-1 in Islamabad. The sources said by the end of June, the total spending on the prestigious project would have touched Rs249 millions.

The other important project of the ministry is the establishment of a national monument at Shakarparian, Islamabad. Development and restoration of Satgarha Temple at Kitas, Chakwal district, involves expenditure of Rs3.646 million during 2004-05.

Similarly, the ministry has allocated Rs20 million for the preservation of archeological sites from Taxila to Swat. For restoration of Jehangir's tomb, and construction of perimeter wall of Akbari Sarai and Asif Khan tomb in Lahore, Rs5.650 million has been allocated for the next financial year.

An amount of Rs2.54 million has been earmarked for restoration of Sang-i-Badal, and flooring of Jehangir's tomb. Likewise, the ministry has allocated Rs10 million for restoration of Harrapa remains as well as development of museum. An amount of Rs2.297 million has been set aside for preservation work on the western side of Lahore Fort.