Lahore: Civil society organisations have raised their voice against the stance taken by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) on the Orange Line Metro project.
According to a news source, Lahore Bachao Tehreek Convener Imrana Tiwana said that when the law clearly states that no project or scheme can be constructed within a 200-foot radius of protected monuments, the Archaeology Department’s director-general (DG) should not have the authority to approve such a move.
Internationally recognised heritage sites such as Shalamar Gardens do not just belong to Pakistan and should be protected by all means, she added.
Reportedly, LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed refuted Tiwana’s statements and said that Section 22 of the Antiquities Act 1975 allows for construction within a 200-foot distance of monuments if the application is approved by the DG. According to him, an application was filed, the status of which will be checked on November 3.
Saeed pointed out that many buildings exist within a 200-foot radius of popular monuments. While he admitted that the view of Chaburji and Shalamar Gardens would be impaired because of the project, he also confirmed that the vibrations of the train will not cause any damage to the heritage sites.
