Preservation of heritage sites

The other side of the picture

“It is not the honour that you take with you but the heritage you leave behind.”

Not everyone feels a connection with his cultural heritage, but many people do. What is it about cultural heritage that draws people to it? Some may think traditions are archaic and no longer relevant, and they are unnecessary during these modern times. Perhaps for some they aren’t, but for others exploring cultural heritage offers a robust variety of benefits. Culture can give people a connection to certain social values, beliefs, religions and customs. Cultural heritage can provide an automatic sense of unity and belonging within the group and allows us to better understand previous generations and the history of where we come from.

Another benefit that comes from preserving cultural heritage as a whole is the communal support. Heritage is made up of many things large and small. One can see it in the buildings, townscapes and even in the archeological remains. Culture can be preserved through natural sources as well: the agriculture and landscape associated with it. It is preserved through books, artifacts, objects, pictures, photographs, art and oral tradition.

Cultural heritage does not just include the buildings but also includes the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the religion we follow, and the skills we learn. Sometimes one can touch and see what makes up a culture; other times it is intangible. I just want to ask the members of the so-called civil society if they have ever tried to preserve that part of culture and heritage. Where is our civil society when the whole society is undergoing decline of social and moral values? Are they really rescuing Lahore under the banner of “Lahore Bachao Tehreek” or they are acting as change resistant elements of the society?

LRMTS (Lahore Rapid Mass Transit System) Orange Line feasibility study was conducted by MVA-Asia and SYSTRA in 2007. Addendum of this study was issued by NESPAK in 2014. Hence the comprehensive research was undertaken. In these studies, the significance of all heritage sites along the route of orange line was taken into consideration during the finalisation of alignment and design keeping in view the limitations of urban settlements in the vicinity.

There has been much hue and cry from the members of the civil society over the matter of preservation of heritage monuments lately. They are insisting to change the route without checking with the facts.

Let’s take Shalamar Gardens, for example. Shalamar Gardens, located at G T Road, is one of the monuments of Pakistan which is included in the world heritage list. In front of Shalamar Gardens, the track of Orange Line is elevated with maximum permissible turning radius and curves. The purpose of this special curve is to protect the integrity of this historical place and to ensure maximum possible distance from it. The minimum distance of centre line of track is 29m on one end and 22.8m on the other end. The elevated structure of the Orange Line is very slim and sleek and will not create any significant visual barriers.

Furthermore, the track is on the other side of the road and the soffit level of the deck is 12m that will allows for an attractive view of the monument while travelling on the ground. It will also provide a visual tour of Shalamar Gardens for the commuters of this train, adding more beauty to it. Trains to be operated for Orange Line project do not fall in the category of high speed trains. The notables of civil society were all mum when the heavy traffic at GT road affected the beauty of Shalamar Gardens.

Moreover, the average operating velocity will be 38 km/hr to 42 km/hr whereas the maximum vibration velocity will be less than 80 km/hr. According to a German standard, maximum vibration velocity at the foundation level of the heritage structure shall be less than 3mm/sec. Based on theoretical 2D FEA model of pier-ground system of light rail train viaduct system similar to Orange Line Project, it is concluded that beyond a distance of 10-12m from main pier of rail the Ground Borne Vibration (GBV) are negligible (<0.30mm/sec). Piers supported on deep piles transmit the loads to greater depths. Thus, the ground borne vibrations due to passage of trains on structure supported on piles are limited.

Keeping in view the above mentioned details and facts, it should now be clear to all those criticising Orange Line Metro that while designing this project, utmost importance has been accorded to protect all heritage sites. The whole information has been confirmed by the Chief Engineer Asrar Saeed of LDA. It has been categorically ensured that Orange Line Project will not cause any reversible/irreversible damage to Shalamar Gardens or any other historical monuments. Its integrity and terrific universal value will not be compromised at any stage.

If the civil society existed at the time when Shalamar Gardens were built, they wouldn’t have let these gardens be built as it would have acquired a huge land displacing many people without any compensation. As Jim Rohn has beautifully put it in words, “Part of your heritage in the society is the opportunity to become financially independent.” The Mass Transit System is the ladder to it.