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And there can be nothing more important for Islamabad's posterity than the restitution and preservation of these caves. But is a civic agency like the Capital Development Authority best qualified to do the job? Local studies in the area have confirmed the historical significance of the remains in the village of Shah Allah Ditta. Archaeological evidence indicates that the caves and the platform-like formations surrounding the area were first used for meditation by Buddhist monks and later by Hindu sadhus before Muslim ascetics took over during the Mughal period. This is the second heritage site in Islamabad which has been targeted for preservation; the first was the historical Saidpur Village, also situated at the foothills of the Margallas.
That the restitution of Saidpur Village was done by a civic agency like CDA rather than the Department of Archeology and Museums had invoked allegations of over commercialisation. Similar concerns, despite CDA's reassurances, have been raised about the preservation work in the cave area. Particularly worrying is the apparent likelihood of one of the platform-like formations being converted into a restaurant. Moreover, CDA says it plans to develop a 'Sadhu ka Bagh' adjacent to the caves, although the development of historical/archaeological gardens, like the treatment and restoration of antiquities, is supposed to be a function of the archaeology department. Similar controversy surrounding the role of different agencies has marred the preservation of other heritage sites in the country. A review of the Antiquities Act 1975 is needed to resolve the question of which organisation is responsible for preserving heritage sites and to ensure that the job is done professionally.
