M Sameer Nazir
KARACHI: World heritage in Sindh particularly Moen-jo-Daro and archaeological site Bhambore (known as Debal in 7th century and gateway of Islam) now at the verge of destruction after heavy rains damaged the drainage system and observed various waterfalls.
The archaeological sites Moen-jo-Daro and Bhambore depicts the trade between Makran Baluchistan and various other Asian and Arab regions have been ruined due to drainage system and vandalism on the sites after heavy rains.
The waterfalls on various locations of Moen-jo-Daro and Bhambore were witnessed during heavy rain observed by the different media personnel and public on Eid occasion.
This scribe also incidentally witnessed one the archaeological site during heavy rain, where different waterfalls showering from locations despite of damaged drainage system of archaeological sites.
There is no even walk ways of bricks at locations of Moen-jo-Daro and Bhambore but only mud and sand spread or after the rains the mud mixed and walk-ways looks like gutters in the way.
During the visit of hundreds and thousands of visitors whole the year has damaged the walk-ways inside the world heritage Moen-jo-Daro and Bhambore and may be other archaeological sites in Sindh.
It is also pertinent to be mentioned here that the five thousand old heritage Moen-jo-Daro drainage system was an example for us, which is also now buried of muds at different locations due to heavy rains have damaged the parts of Moen-jo-Daro sources disclosed.
When this scribe also collected data about over 100 years back all the graveyards condition among an archaeological Makli of Thatta was much worst today and about over 3000 graveyards in various cities of Sindh are in awful conditions reported. Heavy rains are routine inundate all the graveyards and obviously there is no drainage system to drain out of graveyards of hundreds and thousands in province told the sources.
Some time the directions of vicinities/inhabitants’ wastage and drainage system is to the graveyards and mostly vandalism of cattle and locals witnessed. Administrations and provincial government have forgotten all the basic issues and even no protection of Moen-jo-Daro and other archaeological sites in Sindh.
The authorities after heavy rain falls and vandalism on sites now banned the entry on Moen-jo-Daro up to August 15. There is no precautions have been taken or other resolutions as yet but only the planning and boastings.
The civil society and the intellectuals have strictly demanded of the high ups to save the ancient assets from upcoming devastation and proper planning as well as implementation of funds on Moen-jo-Daro and other archaeological sites in Sindh.
The people of Sindh also demanded that the Bhambore also reflects a rich cultural heritage and historical one of province, Bhambore widely famous for the ruins of a castle and importance of this city is its rich folk culture including a legendary love story of Sassui-Punhoon of the times.
Pakistan should portray Moen-Jo-Daro along with Bhanbhore in a true sense of the word and display the ruins of ancient port city of Debal, both are on the Indus River.
Ingenuously, Moen-jo-Daro and others archaeological sites are looking attention of world archeological departments, donors and help of the government. It is now at the verge of destruction due to heavy monsoon rains that caused water accumulation across all the archeological sites of Moen-jo-Daro, Bhambhore, Makli in Thatta and several other locations as well.
Provincial culture and tourism department and Commissioner Larkana have imposed ban of visitors on world heritage Moen-jo-Daro and the restrictions on site up to 15th August 2015.
Similarly steps were taken for the removal of rain water from the ruins after media reported than removal of some rain water through de-watering machines by the local administration. It should be taken concrete steps by the authorities and proper budget utilization for preservation and renovation as it is the symbol of living nations.
