MULTAN: The Punjab Archaeology Department has completed nearly 38pc work pertaining to construction of a boundary wall, upgrading of facilities and conservation work at the ancient Harappa site.

Archaeology Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Ghulam Muhammad told APP on Tuesday construction of the boundary wall had been pending for several decades because the department did not have legal possession of the adjacent excavated land attached to the museum.

The federal and Punjab governments released funds worth Rs194 million for land acquisition, he added.

The SDO said Rs85 million were being spent on the sixfoot-high iron fence and 3.5km long boundary wall at the site, which was a vital par t of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Similarly, repair and maintenance of 1.3km long walking track at the archaeological mound and laying of tough tiles in front of the Harappa Museum was also being carried out.

He added that Rs33 million were being spent on the conservation and restoration of archaeological remains, including extension of museum gallery from southern side of the building, maintenance and levelling of grassy lawns, provision of security lights within museum premises,signboardsforlocalandforeign tourists,provision of safe drinking water and benches, improvement of toilets and washrooms, canteen and purchase of new furniture for the rest house.

The officer said total area of Harappa was 175 acres and on an average nearly 50,000 people visited it during a month.

`Provincial Minister for Tourism Rana Mashhood instructed to establish a special entrance gate with features reflecting the ancient period,` he said.

He said two large unicorn statues would also be placed at the site.-APP