I RECENTLY had the opportunity to visit the Ranikot Fort after about 15 years since I was first there. I was told that there has been some progress in the area and a rest house has been built by the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC). But, as I found out, the tourist destination, the origins of which date back to the Bactrian Greek era, is in a very poor state.
The 30km portion of road that connects the fort to the Indus highway is full of potholes and is in need of urgent repair.
The road from the fort`s entrance to the STDC rest house is in an even poorer state.The rest house consists of a few abandoned huts and dysfunctional split air-conditioners and solar panels. The only positive that I can report is that there is a fully operational kitchen where decent food is prepared upon request.
The provincial tourism department should look into the sad state of affairs prevailing at what happens to be a marvel of the past that is under consideration for being declared a world heritage site by Unesco. It is believed to be the largest fort in the world.
There are six inscribed and 26 tentative sites in Pakistan. The federal government can also play its part in promoting tourism here. The government has promised time and again to promote the tourism sector through investment and infrastructure upgradation. The Ranikot Fort is one of the ideal spots to attract both national and international tourists.
Without improving road and infrastructure condition, no tourist spot worth its name may survive.
