THE city government, Tando Adam, under instructions of its nazim, has reportedly allotted buildings of historical significance, i.e. the rest-house, Gymkhana, the old fire-brigade and the adjacent octrio 'naka' to a builder for construction of a multi-storey complex.

Although a small city, Tando Adam is significant because of its location on the main railway junction. It has a strong agricultural base and was once regarded as one of the most beautiful and prosperous towns of Sindh.

However, it could not be saved from the relentless ravages of the builders' mafia which, for the last three decades, has turned this oasis of serenity into the ugliest jungle of concrete and cement.

Unfortunately, this time harm is being inflicted not by anyone else but with the connivance of the very guardians of this city who were elected by the people to guard the interests of their beautiful town.

The rest-house, Gymkhana and the old fire-brigade buildings are monuments of national heritage. If these beautiful memorial buildings are handed over to the builders' mafia, the people of the town will be deprived of healthy activities and a few more ugly flat sites will emerge on the site. The town will also lose the remaining edifices of historical significance.

The Sindh chief secretary and the district coordinator concerned should intervene and stop the taluka nazim from handing over these important heritage sites to the builders' mafia. They should also restore these buildings to their pristine magnificence so that the people of this town can enjoy these sites.

SAYED SHAHNAWAZ SHAH
Tando Adam