National Inventory Of Heritage Sites To Be Created For Conservation, Research Purposes

National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) Division has planned to conduct mapping of heritage sites across the country in coordination with the provincial authorities to save the precious heritage which is at risk of destruction

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jan, 2019 ) :National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) Division has planned to conduct mapping of heritage sites across the country in coordination with the provincial authorities to save the precious heritage which is at risk of destruction.

According to an official source, the objective behind mapping of heritage sites is to create a uniform national inventory, project the sites for inscription on UNESCO world heritage list and promote cultural tourism and soft image of Pakistan.

It would help identification of cultural heritage sites at risk of destruction and disappearance due to urbanization and environmental effects, the source said.

The mapping of the sites was required to document all kind of cultural heritage (built up) sites e.g buildings, monuments, natural, religious sites etc across the country in a uniform manner.

Mapping will bring into focus those monuments and sites which are at risk and require immediate attention for conservation and protection.

The data will also be useful for research purpose and serve as resource base for future interventions by government.

The official source revealed that a 16-member advisory committee on heritage has been constituted who will guide the division for preparation of PC-I for conservation of heritage sites.

At present, there are 26 sites on Tentative List of Pakistan. While there are 405 protected sites all over the country under the Antiquities Act 1975 including 30 in Balochistan, 92 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 129 in Sindh, 149 in Punjab, 01 in Gilgit Baltistan and 04 in Islamabad.

A consolidated document carrying list of the Buddhist, Sikh and Hindus sites will also be formed for the guidance purposes.

The provincial authorities have been directed to enhance coordination and cooperation in the area of literary, built-up and intangible cultural heritage for preservation of this precious heritage for transferring to our future generations, the source said.

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