Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has dispelled reports on the demolition of Lahore’s famous historical monument ‘Chauburji’ as many believed the heritage site would be affected to make the way for Orange Line Metro. “I am seeing a lot of rumours circulating about the proposed demolishing of some historical places for Orange Line Metro Train. I would officially like to declare such rumours as baseless and part of a propaganda,” said the chief minister in a Facebook post. Shahbaz said it was Punjab’s government “principled decision” that no site of historic and cultural heritage significance – including Chauburji, GPO and Saint Andrews Church – would be harmed. The 27-kilometre track of Lahore Orange Line Metro Train is estimated to cost $1.65 billion, which according to the Punjab CM will revolutionise the transport culture in Pakistan. The demolition of the historic landmark was never in question. But, the fact remains that the Orange Train Route violates both the Antiquities Act 1975 & The Special Premises Preservation Ordinance 1985. Not only does the overhead train project obscure the view of the monument, but the pylons of the train are within the Roundabout of Chauburji, when as per law, a minimum distance of 200 feet must be observed.
It is heartening to observe the reaction of the civil society who have so diligently moved to protect the aforementioned sites. On October 29, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in a session in Lahore took up the cases of the heritage sites that were at risk, including Chauburji, Shalamar Gardens and the General Post Office (GPO). Activists that demonstrated in front of the gateway maintain an elevated track would not just obscure the view of the monument but also that the vibrations from the train would damage the monument over the years. The digging work underway at the site might have already damaged the foundations of the building and hence outdated construction methods should not be deployed near the protected sites. The government still has a chance of protecting these precious tokens from history and changing the route of the Orange Line metro. Why is it that development cannot go hand in hand with preserving our nature, history and culture? Is it really necessary to turn the city into a concrete jungle? Does Punjab have no other problems where the money being spent on Lahore’s roads can be redirected to?
pk.shafaqna.com
