ISLAMABAD, Oct 17: As the natural beauty of the federal capital is fading rapidly due to development activities, the city managers have moved to preserve the archaeological beauty, approving a plan to protect 2,400 years old Shah Allah Ditta caves.

Talking to this news agency, Chairman CDA Imtiaz Inayat Elahi said the civic agency has approved a plan to preserve the archaeological site and the environment wing been tasked to submit a feasibility report soon.

Mr Elahi said he has recently visited the caves and realising the preciousness of the site, he approved a plan for the conservation of caves as well as the adjacent garden known as ' Saadhu ka Bagh .'

Under the plan, he said only light structures would be allowed in the area to avoid any further damages to its beauty, adding the CDA has already acquired land in the area.

“The caves and the garden cover an area of eight kanals but the CDA has acquired in total 33 kanals in its surroundings. The foremost effort would be made to protect the site and allow no structure up to 20 feet around the site,” he said. In this regard, collaboration is being made with the locals who have also assured all of their assistance in preservation drive.

He said the construction work would be initiated after the environment wing submits a detailed report on the plan, adding that the CDA was engaging the Department of Archaeology and Museums and civil society organisations to assist it in this project. He said the project would not be confined to preservation of the Shah Allah Ditta caves only, rather the civic body would do maximum to preserve all archaeological sites in the federal capital.

He hoped national and international organisations would support execution of the project. Besides, he said efforts were being made to preserve old trees in the city. — APP