I CONGRATULATE the Sindh government for its latest decision to restore the Masonic Lodge, a national heritage site, as reported, 'Protected heritage site -- Government plans to raze illegal structure of Wild Life Department' (Nov 3).

The Lodge, an edifice built in 1915 by the society of free masons, located at Maulana Din Muhammad Wafai Road, Karachi, is one of the few most gorgeous architectures of the metropolis.

Unfortunately, as was the tragedy with various other heritage buildings in the country, the Masonic Lodge was also given to total apathy. Disregarding all by-laws, the building was handed over first to the provincial information department and later on to the wild life department the present-day occupant.

These occupants played havoc with the original structure by bringing various uncalled-for and shabby changes inside the building to suit their office requirements.

A few years back, while passing through the site, I was fascinated so much by the facade of the Lodge that I could not resist myself and entered the premises.

However, inside it was total disappointment as not only the various wall-affixed stones in the main hall showing names of the contributors and philanthropic members of society were whitewashed but the original floor and wood work was almost ruined.

Besides, alterations made for the convenience had destroyed the original beauty of the structure. Surprisingly the bookshelves on the walls of the hall were unharmed as they were full of old volumes; these old manuscripts, however, were not ravaged as the shelves were locked apparently since their original occupants left the place.

Probably for the new occupants these manuscripts were of no significance. This needs special attention of the Sindh Archives, which incidentally comes under the provincial culture department, to ensure shifting and safe custody of these old valuable manuscripts at archives.

I would also like to invite the attention of the culture department to another monument of national heritage which is fast decaying due to neglect of authorities.

This is Khan Bahadar Azim Khan Building located opposite Radio Pakistan, Hyderabad. This fine piece of architecture was built in 1934 to house the offices of Sindh Cooperative Society, of whose first deputy register was no other person than K. B. Azim Khan, one of the extraordinary officers Sindh has ever produced.

The provincial government's recognition of the importance of national heritage, though late, needs to be appreciated and supported by civil society.

I also hope that the control of other heritage buildings, especially the Hindu Gymkhana and Jinnah Courts (occupied by Rangers), as referred by Mr Badar Jatoi in his letter 'Curtain call for Napa' (Oct 29), will also be regained, and the buildings restored as national heritage.

DR (PROF) KAZI KHADIM

HUSSAIN

Hyderabad