LAHORE: Civil society organisations have rejected the Lahore Development Authority`s (LDA) stance regarding the Orange Line project and called it unjust.

`When it is clearly written that none of the projects, schemes can be executed within 200-foot radius of protected monuments, who is the archaeology director general (DG) to approve such activities, Lahore Bachao Tehreek Convener Imrana Tiwana asked.

LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed claims Section 22 of the Antiquities Act 1975 allowed constructions/development within a 200-foot distance of monuments with the approval of the Archaeology Department`s director general.

`The full definition of Section 22 ofthe Antiquities Act 1975 is: `No development plan or scheme or new construction on or within a distance of 200 feet of a protected immovable antiquity shall be undertaken or executed, except with the approvalof the director generalarchaeology.` So, we have already applied for approval from the DG and the application is under process,` Saeed clarified.

He said he would check the status of the application on Tuesday (today) from the department.

The official further said if Section 22 of the Antiquities Act was followed, the government would have to first raze all plazas, shops, which were earlier constructed with the approval of competent authorities less than 200 feet from Chauburji. Same was the case with Shalamar Gardens where many buildings existed less than 200 feet away.`And the roads that have already been constructed close the monuments. So if we follow a specific portion of Section 22, which directs keeping a distance of 200 feet from the monuments, we cannot even construct roads. That is why this section has allowed such constructions with the approval of the archaeology DG,` he explained.

Saeed admitted the view of Chauburji and Shalamar Gardens would be hindered, but did not agree with vibration of the train having an impact on these sites.

`To mitigate this, we have made digging for piling work up to a maximum level. And I am sure that it will not affect the structure of Chauburji or other monuments.

On the other hand, a Facebook account claiming to be `official page` of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif clarified various reports regarding impact of the OrangeLine project on the Lahore`s heritage sites.

`I am seeing a lot of rumours circulating about proposed demolishing of some historical places for Orange Line Metro Train. I would officially like to declare such rumours as baseless and part of propaganda. Before initiating this project, it was our principled decision not to harm any historical place, including Chauburji, GPO and St Andrews Church. I have personally presided over a number of meetings to ensure that all such landmarks are protected and preserved in their actual condition as they define the culture and heritage of Lahore,` the post stated.

It further said: `I have been informed that a `leader` of a certain political party was also involved in spreading such rumours. I believe that national leaders must confirm facts before spreading a word because they influence and shapepublic opinion. we all must act responsibly as honourable citizens of Pakistan.

Imrana Tiwana further said in the law, the words `letter and spirit` have a lot of significance. It does not mean allowing or continuing such development or constructions if Section 22 mentioned with the `approval of the DG`, she said. She also termed existing buildings within 200ft of Chauburji illegal. The government should demolish them if it wanted to abide by the laws, she maintained.

She also said the Shalamar Gardens was an internationally recognised heritage site, and not property of Pakistan only, but the entire world. And when a heritage site is recognised or owned or protected internationally, it is governed by international as well as local laws. She added the civil society would never allow such constructions at the cost of the city`s heritage.