–21 individuals fined over littering so far
LAHORE: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), in compliance with the orders of the Lahore High Court (LHC), has started issuing challans to tourists who are found littering inside the Lahore Fort and as many as 21 individuals have so far been fined Rs100 each.
On visiting the fort, it was observed that tourists were being told to use dustbins that have been placed at different spots of the heritage site, especially the lawns outside Deewan-e-Aam, Jahangiri Quadrangle, Shah Jahani Quadrangle and canteen area; whereas strict measures are also being taken to keep the Sheesh Mahal and Shah Burj areas clean.
Further, Pakistan Today observed that WCLA has put up warning boards all across the Lahore Fort to make tourists aware of the fines being imposed against littering.
Tauqeer Raza, a tourist, appreciated the efforts of the authority, but expressed dissatisfaction over the amount of fine and said that it should be increased to Rs500 so that people are more careful.
Another tourist, Naila Shah, while speaking to Pakistan Today said that such measures should have been taken earlier by the WCLA and a fine of Rs1,000 should be imposed for graffiti as well. “This is a world heritage site and people visiting this place must realise its historical importance. I think that imposing heavy fines is the only way out and hope that WCLA will now be more vigilant against graffiti after controlling littering,” she said.
“I have been informed by the tourist guide and the ticket checker about the fine on littering,” said a schoolboy visiting the fort and added that he had communicated the message to his friends as well.
WCLA Social Mobilisation Deputy Director Nosheen Zaidi said, “We are holding mass awareness campaigns regarding cleanliness, especially at the heritage sites.” To a question, she said that WCLA would also be addressing the graffiti issue soon.
Meanwhile, WCLA Marketing and Social Mobilisation Director Asif Zaheer said the authority was taking all necessary measures to support the “Clean & Green Pakistan” campaign launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“This is a great initiative and it will make these places better for tourists. WCLA is aggressively working on cleaning the Lahore Fort and other heritage sites in the Walled City of Lahore. We are also distributing flyers among tourists to educate them regarding the importance of keeping heritage sites clean.”
