Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore

a) Demolition of two of the tanks and partial demolition of a third tank of the hydraulic works of the Shalamar Gardens;

b) Encroachments and urban pressure;

c) Inadequate management mechanisms (including incomplete legislation, lack of financial resources);

d) Lack of definition of boundaries of the Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens.

• Damage to the external walls and demolition of hydraulic works of Shalamar Gardens;
• Serious state of degradation of the historic monuments and garden complex within the property.

Adopted, see https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/1290

Adopted, see https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/1076

Total amount provided to the property: USD 975,000, Norwegian Funds-in-Trust, Japanese Funds-in-Trust, Getty Foundation, United States Embassy in Pakistan

The State Party submitted a state of conservation report as requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011). From 27 April to 1 May 2012, a reactive monitoring mission was carried out. The mission report is available online at the following Web address: https://whc.unesco.org/en/sessions/36COM/documents/  

a)  Boundaries and buffer zones

The buffer zones have been defined and the agencies responsible for approving new construction are aware of the restrictions imposed.

The mission reviewed the produced maps with the redefined buffer zone boundaries and reported that a proposal for a minor extension of the buffer zone will be submitted by 1 February 2013 for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its 37th session.

b)  Encroachment and urban pressure

The State Party reported that the adoption of the Federal Antiquity Act 1975 by the Punjab Government has strengthened the power to enforce laws and regulations. Encroachments are being effectively controlled. The removal of the rim market and bus stand is in progress, discussions are being carried out with the City Government Authorities to identify a suitable place for relocation. It also reported on the development of a Parking and Public Utility Area, on land acquired in front of Naqqar Khana at the south east corner to resolve parking and general facilities. The project is expected to commence in May 2012.

The mission assessed the categories of constructions within the buffer zone and the regulatory measures for their management. It witnessed the current processes on the relocation and/or removal of constructions and noted that their completion had been delayed because of litigations. It also reported on the acquisition of lands which should allow for a better control of the site and for the creation of improved visitor facilities.

c)  Management mechanisms

As for the management and supervision of conservation works, a Steering Committee has been set up to monitor the implementation of development schemes and Master Plans and to develop annual work plans. In addition, the mandate of the Technical Committee was revised to supervise conservation works. The State Party reports that new personnel has been ascribed to the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab (DGoAP) but that lack of skilled craftsmen and conservation specialists hinder the pace of implementation of conservation activities set up under the Five Year Programme for Preservation and Restoration of Lahore Fort.

The mission reported that the management responsibility of the Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens was transferred from the federal government of Pakistan to the Punjab provincial government in 2004 and, that after the 18^th Amendment of the Constitution, the ownership of the property was handed over to the DGoAP in 2011. These changes in management have allowed better coordination between the DGoAP and other related local government departments. The establishment of a high level Steering Committee and the continuous professional input and monitoring by the Technical Committee have contributed to an improved decision-making regime concerning the conservation and management of the property. It also noted that the Master Plans for Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens, adopted officially in 2009, are being updated and that more detailed conservation plans will be developed.

d)  Conservation interventions

Activities focused on the preservation and restoration of the old wells, which are now functional, the Royal Hammam, the Arz Gah, the North East Burj, the perimeter wall, the Jahangir’s Quadrangle, the Diwan-e-Aam and the Shish Mahal surroundings. Additional work was carried out inside the boundary wall at the southeast and south sides to improve the environment of the Fort by planting grass lawns. As for the Shalamar Gardens, major conservation works were implemented at the perimeter wall, the dividing walls between three terraces, and the walkways, the water channels of the middle terrace, the corner towers and at the Doulat Khana Khas-O-Aam (hall of special and ordinary audience). In terms of security, camera systems were installed and security staff was increased.

The mission reported that significant progress has been made in the conservation of individual structures and of the external walls and improvements in the overall state of conservation the property since the last mission in 2009 are clearly evident. It highlighted however the importance of re-establishing the training institute to ensure capacity building and bridge existing gaps in technical staff, conservators and craftsmen. The mission also noted that adequate presentation and interpretation measures should be put in place and suggested that conservation works, which have been documented, could serve to illustrate the challenges faced in the preservation of the property.

The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies recommend that the Committee commend the State Party on the efforts made to implement the identified corrective measures to achieve the Desired state of conservation for the property.  They note that threats previously identified have been actively addressed and that other initiatives currently at the planning stages will further reduce issues pertaining to urban development, heavy traffic and environmental management.  They also note that the significant efforts have resulted in the creation of an effective management system for the property and improved the state of conservation. The financial and political support pledged by the Government of Punjab will ensure the sustainability of the existing arrangements. Therefore, they recommend to the Committee to remove the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger.