LAHORE, Nov 30: The Punjab Archaeology Department will restore and conserve four gates of the Walled City on a priority, according to officials.

Officials told Dawn that MNA Hamza Shahbaz was taking keen interest in the restoration of these gates.

They said Hamza held a meeting with the archaeology officials four months ago and asked them to conserve the four gates in the Walled City. The project could not be given final shape due to unavailability of funds and technical reasons.

The technical hurdles included unavailability of special kind of bricks used in conservation because these could not be baked in August (rainy season). Besides, the production of kankar lime needed sunlight, they said.

The officials said the PC-1 of the project had been approved and work on the gates would start in the second week of December and would conclude in June.Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has approved Rs14 million for the project. The gates are: Sheranwala, Kashmiri, Bhaati and Lohari.

The officials said all these gates were structurally sound but in need of some repairs. These gates were reconstructed in early British period; the Lohari Gate was reconstructed in original Mughal style. The project also included restoration of fresco paintings, woodwork, redoing of plaster etc, they said.

The major job was to remove phone and electricity lines crossing over these gates and there was a plan to lay them underground, they said.

Residents of the localities around these gates have mixed views. Some say it is the much-needed work while many believe that instead of restoring these gates, the government should strive for the provision of clean water in this area or filtered water plants should be installed.

Saeed Ahmed, a resident of Bhaati Gate, said preservation of any heritage was important but who can guarantee that after renovation these gates will not again be used as publicity platforms for political parties.