Sindh CM stresses on significance of Moenjo Daro, announces Rs.100mn for development, renovation

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Saturday announced Rs. 100 million for development and rehabilitation of Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and stressed on the proper preservation of historical site by mobilizing all resources.

“I would have announced more funds had the devastating floods not lashed the province that displaced nearly 8 million people creating emergency situation,” said CM while presiding over the National Conference on Moenjo-Daro held at a local hotel.

The event was organized by the Culture Department in collaboration with United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Chief Minister emphasized that all archeological sites in the province should be maintained by all means and federal government's assistance was required for the purpose by all odds.

He said all such historical sites were not properly looked after prior to the devolvement to province before the passage of 18th constitutional amendment.

He recalled that tourists used to visit Moenjo-Daro as provincial government had also provided all facilities to them in the past. Such a status, he said, could also be revived after proper projection of the historical site.

He hailed the culture department for organizing national moot on such an important issue and praised culture minister for taking keen interest in the subject.

Sindh Minister for Culture Sassui Palejo, in her opening remarks recalled the significance of Moenjo-Daro and spoke about the history of Indus Valley Civilization.

She praised the incumbent government for the passage of amendment from the Lower House - National Assembly - that paved the way of devolvement of several important subjects to the provinces.

Sassui said it was after 64 years that some cultural subjects were devolved to Sindh, including 126 archeological sites. She said meetings were afoot to assess damages caused on all archeological sites of the province and planning underway for renovation of all identified sites.

She said several schemes of culture department worth 8 to 9 million rupees were currently underway including revival of theatres and art galleries in many districts of the province.

Sassui Palejo told that an international conference on a similar scale would also be organized to create awareness of precious ancient sites in the province and fund-raising for their maintenance and renovation.

She thanked Chief Minister for announcing Rs 100 million in the worst circumstances facing Sindh due to ravaging floods.