Tag: restoration

  • France to provide Rs4.6 billion for the renovation of Lahore Fort

    France to provide Rs4.6 billion for the renovation of Lahore Fort

    A financing agreement worth more than Rs4.6 billion (€22 million) has been signed by the government of Pakistan and the government of France, through the French Development Agency (FDA), to provide technical and financial support for the restoration of the Lahore Fort.

    A special heritage site in Pakistan is to be protected and restored as part of the HURL (Heritage & Urban Regeneration in Lahore) project. The areas of focus will be increasing economic activity, promoting tourism, and preparing local communities for climate change.

    The walled city and fort of Lahore, which is in the middle of an 11 million-person metropolis, is made up of numerous unique structures with exceptional historical and cultural value as well as numerous compact ancient neighbourhoods.

    The fort faced numerous threats to its integrity, which led to UNESCO listing it as a World Heritage Site in Danger in 1981. The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), and the Punjab government launched a ten-year conservation initiative to develop and restore the site in 2012.

    The French government is delighted to be supporting this attempt through AFD: “France is proud to be part of the ambitious plan of the Punjab government to develop and promote the unique cultural heritage of Lahore,” said Nicolas Galey, the French ambassador to Pakistan.

    By enhancing the tourist attraction of the locations and enhancing the living conditions of the riparian populations, the restoration and development of the Lahore Fort surroundings will be a potent engine of sustainable economic development of the City.

    The HURL project will be financed over a five-year period. It is anticipated that this will strengthen the Lahore Fort’s resilience, generate more income and employment opportunities, particularly for women and the transgender community, and contribute to the restoration and improvement of the fort.

    By including the neighbourhoods surrounding the fort as a growth interface, it will also increase tourism development and strengthen the capacity of WCLA and its associates.

    The AFD is reaffirming its dedication to Lahore’s urban development by funding this project. This significant undertaking is just the beginning of the French government’s efforts to support the restoration of South Asian heritage.

  • Government begins restoration of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor’s Peshawar homes

    Government begins restoration of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor’s Peshawar homes

    The restoration and renovation work of Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s ancestral homes in Peshawar has started after the government got possession of the properties.

    Raj Kapoor’s ancestral home, known as Kapoor Haveli, and Dilip Kumar’s ancestral residence are situated in the Qissa Khwani Bazaar area of Peshawar.

    As per Geo News, the government is planning to restore the homes to their original state.

    Initially, the debris from both houses was removed to begin the restoration work.

    Meanwhile, Dilip Kumar’s nephew Fawad Ishaq lauded the government’s decision to restore his uncle and Raj Kapoor’s ancestral home.

    He further said Dilip Kumar’s attachment to Peshawar never diminished.

    Read More – Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu: A love story that lasted over five decades

    The veteran Bollywood actor died of long ailment in July 2020. After his death, his wife Saira Banu, 77, has been diagnosed with a heart problem, termed as acute coronary syndrome.

  • Temple attacked by mob restored and handed over to the Hindu Community in five days

    Temple attacked by mob restored and handed over to the Hindu Community in five days

     The Hindu temple in Bhong town that was vandalised by a mob has been completely restored to its original shape and handed over back to the minority community, reported Dawn.

    Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Khuram Shehzad said that for the security of the temple, a boundary wall was also being constructed around it.

    He said the work on the restoration of the idols (Moorti) damaged during the attack on the temple would be completed soon.

    DC said that all the expenses required for the restoration of the temple would be recovered from the rioters involved in the attack.

    Shehzad added that it would take two months to complete the work on the restoration of the idols in the temple.

    He said the Hindu community would start performing religious rites at the temple after the restoration of the idols.

  • 400-year-old tunnel discovered during restoration at Lahore Fort

    400-year-old tunnel discovered during restoration at Lahore Fort

    According to The Express Tribune, the tunnel discovered at the opulently designed Mughal fort — that already houses over 20 key monuments — is still firmly in place.

    The 625-feet tunnel is well ventilated and lighted, and consists of niches that have been made for lighting lamps.

    The excavation of the tunnel

    As per the opinion of experts, the tunnel was used as drainage and secret passage.

    While modern machinery and equipment are used for the restoration of historical monuments, the archaeology team has done it successfully in the traditional fashion.

    “Snakes and scorpions were also found during the excavation,” experts said, adding that traces of it were found during excavation on another restoration project.