Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) on Wednesday received funds from the AFD (a French development agency) for the conservation of the Lahore Fort — with the initiative aimed at promoting urban tourism, a news source reported. As per the details available, the authority has received funds worth PKR 3.6 billion for the initiation of conservation and restoration work on the internationally acclaimed heritage site.
Sources revealed that the Punjab government would also provide PKR 50.4 million to complete this project. According to official documents, the WCLA would complete the restoration and conservation of the Lahore Fort within five years. In this project, the authority would conserve all subterranean chambers, Dewan-e-Aam, eastern and southern entrances, southern ceremonial steps, interpretation centre, and museum, along with working on tourist facilities and promotion initiatives.
Apart from work on the Lahore Fort, the WCLA would also carry out urban rehabilitation in a buffer zone at a cost of PKR 1.97 billion. This buffer zone will cover the rehabilitation of the Taxali Gate area, Ali Park, south buffer zone, parking and pedestrian facilities, upgrading of a school and mosque, as well as the purchase, rehabilitation, and reuse of a haveli.
