LAHORE: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is working on the conservation and restoration of Haveli Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Gujranwala.

The project started in May 2024 and it would be completed by November 2025. The Haveli has historical importance as Ranjit Singh was born and brought up there and it is considered as one of the prominent architectural buildings of Sikh heritage. More than half of the conservation work has been completed, including documentation, surface treatment and removal of encroachments. The budget of this project is Rs84.5m.

About the conservation project, Najamul Saqib, the director conservation and planning of WCLA, said, “We have been progressing swiftly with the conservation project of Haveli Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Significant restoration elements have been successfully completed while ongoing work includes structural consolidation and roof treatment. Additionally, this project encompasses an illumination plan, whereby lights will be installed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the haveli. Considerable efforts are also being dedicated to facilitating public access, ensuring that the site remains readily accessible for exploration”.

Tania Qureshi, director media and marketing of the WCLA, said, “The conservation project has entered its final phases and the site will soon be accessible to the public.”

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024