Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has opened new tourism spots and completed several conservation projects at historical sites in the city, a news source reported. The conservation efforts were focused on the Lahore Fort, where the Barood Khana, Royal Kitchens, Royal Toilets, Western Suites, Musaman Gate, Jahangiri Quadrangle and Deewan-e-Aam sites were attended to.
Restoration authorities have also discovered two tunnels inside the fort after debris and plantation were removed. Additionally, WCLA has completed the documentation of the Bhatti Gate trail which leads to the Tibbi Police Station and Mariam Zamani Mosque. The restoration of Bhatti Gate will begin once the funds are released.
At the moment, WCLA is busy restoring the southern side of Chowk Wazir Khan Mosque. The rehabilitation plan of Chowk Kotwali and Dibbi Bazaar, which is home to Sonehri Masjid, has been finalised and will be implemented this year.
Year 2018 also saw the first ever illumination of Lahore Fort, where night tourism was launched by the WCLA. These tours were attended by 4,700 people, while 4.5 million people visited the fort year round. Additionally, the authority also introduced story telling sessions called Dastaan Goi and Sufi Nights for visitors’ enjoyment.
For furthering the improvement of the Walled City, WCLA’s Building Control Wing conducted twenty five operations to remove illegally constructed commercial plazas in the area. Nine anti-encroachment operations were also carried out to clear several public passages.
