WCLA completes Lohari Gate restoration

LAHORE:The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has completed the conservation project of the Lohari Gate.

The estimate cost spent on this project is Rs19.08 million. WCLA initiated the project on 7th November, 2023. According to the history, this gate was named after the Lohar (blacksmith) community of craftsmen who made objects primarily from iron or steel.

According to the official of WCLA, the objective of conserving Lohari Gate was to preserve the heritage of the walled city so that it stays intact for the historical and cultural exploration of the region.

The Director Conservation mentioned the works carried out in the conservation process of this gate. ‘In the conservation project, the process of surface rendering has been done on the gate. The structure of the gate has been consolidated. Similarly, Fresco-lining on the gate has been renovated to give the actual outlook of the gate. Floor around the gate has been repaired for the smooth access of the visitors. The cemented fortification has been done to the wall and roof of the gate. Apart from this, commercial activity around the gate has been ceased, and all the encroachment construction has been removed. Moreover, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has also worked on the electricity of the region.

For which, it has taken some significant steps to provide electricity for the neighboring households and bazaar inside the gate,’ he mentioned. Before the WCLA undertook its supervision, the Gate was in dilapidated condition which had badly harmed its actual outlook and structure. On the completion of this project, Tania Qureshi, Director Media and Marketing WCLA, said, ‘Our ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s cultural history are exemplified by our preservation work in Old Lahore, particularly at Lohari Gate.