Abstract

The rapid growth in population, accompanied by the unplanned expansion of the built environment of the town, is shattering the spiritual and historical essence of the town’s urban fabric simultaneously. As a result, prominent historical monuments like the Tomb and Garden of Lalarukh, Maqbara Hakeeman have decayed and are in dire need of attention. The research aims to generate an appropriate tourism plan that could, on the one hand, preserve these monuments and, on the other, could be helpful for the authorities to enhance the tourism potential of the town. This research paper highlights the significance of historical and cultural heritage, which need to be conserved. The research was initially undertaken by identifying the significant historical monuments through reconnaissance surveys, interviews and literature review by taking Hassanabdal as a case study area which is an old historic town located in Northern Punjab, exhibits diverse remnants from the times of Buddhist, Mughal, Sikh and British invaders. The recommendations were given in the light of ICOMOS and UNESCO guidelines, keeping in view the current conservation practices and legislation in Pakistan.

Key Words

Hassanabdal, Mughal, Sikh, Conservation, Tourism

Introduction

Hassanabdal town is one of many important history-rich towns in Pakistan. It is located in close vicinity of Taxila and Wah Cantonment. In historical literature, a number of noteworthy personalities can be found admiring the exquisiteness of this town in their own words. The Chinese traveller Hiouen Thsang, William Finch, Mughal Emperors Akbar, (Abu al-Fazl ibn Mubarak and Blochmann 1873), Jahangir and Shahjehan (Padishah 1968) and their officials, Shams al-Din, Hakim Abu’l Fath, all visited this area and have left their marks in some aspect (Siddiqi 1977). The area was one of the preferred places of visit and stayed for Mughal emperors and Sikh rulers. They spent their luxurious time here owing to the picturesque beauty and pleasant weather. They built monumental structures here whose remains lie in the busy town today.

Hassanabdal’s major reason for fame is the Gurdwara PanjaSahib. It is one of the most sacred sites in Sikhism. Associated with the founder of Sikhism, it is believed to hold a sacred rock containing the handprint of Guru Nanak. Every year it becomes the focal attraction for the Sikhs from all over the world, especially at the time of Baisakhee and the birthday of Guru Nanak in April and November, respectively (Singh 2001). Recent excavations there have disclosed traces of Buddhist monastery (Shahid 2014). Conservation of the historic towns and monuments relates to the history or remains of the past (Orbasli 2002). It raises the protection and preservation of the elements of urban heritage from being demolished or restored. The systematic planning, control and measures such as buildings ofSignificant architectural value, historical importance and uniqueness of local cultures could be enhanced and promoted to add on the tourist potential (Awadh 2007). Many of the monuments have vanished with the passage of time. The monuments are slowly vanishing due to encroachments by local people. The famous Mughal Shahjehani Sarei has gradually become a part of residential Mohallahs. The freshwater streams have now taken the shape of ravines (Housing and Physical Planning Department Government of Punjab 1984). Fig. 1 shows the location of Hassanabdal town in District Attock and the important areas in its surroundings (Lahori, Abdul 1875).

Figure 1

: Location of Tehsil Hassanabdal, District Attock (TMA, Hassan Abdal



Literature Review

Internationally, within the field of cultural heritage conservation, increasing interest and attention over the past few decades have been focused on urban areas. This is timely given that the UN estimates that over 50% of the world’s population live in urban areas and that this will increase to about 70% by 2050. A major initiative in the field of conservation of urban areas, associated with change that is taking place in the world’s cities, was first set out at a UNESCO conference in Vienna.

Zanzibar Town is the Capital City and the Administrative Seat of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. Stone Town is the largest and most renowned historic seaport and centre of trade. Stone Town, with its unique and distinctive features, is the nucleus of the Zanzibar tourism industry. They used several categories of conservation such as Building Conservation, Area Conservation and Cultural Conservation (Awadh 2007). Heritage conservation can be beneficial to different sectors, including the local community, public sector, investors as well as tourists. Major areas of benefits on heritage conservation to the Zanzibar Stone Town context where protection of Unique Historic Buildings, enhancing the Image and Identity of Heritage Site and Heritage Value of Local Culture. Tourists visit heritage sites to encounter and experience the typical ambience of their architecture, history and local culture. Conservation help ensure the preservation of such historic character and traditional flavors for the benefit of the tourist. Increase in tourist and expanding tourism industry inZanzibar that contributes about 25% of the National foreign income in recent years, affects much of the changing atmosphere of the building used in Stone Town.

Similarly, in the city of Jaipur, urbanization started with its establishment. The historical planning of Jaipur city has come under the influence of urbanization. Within 100 meters of entrances of the walled city (Srivastava 2014). The encroachment by vendors and shopkeepers in verandas is a common practice. The corners of chaupar, known as khanda, are occupied by squatters. In the city of Jaipur, Initiatives have been taken includes the measures taken up to reduce the congestion in the walled city and improve the traffic, like the development of new parking spaces. Walled city area, shifting of wholesale activities outside the walled city and linking the walled city with metro rail services. To increase greenery, the JMC initiated schemes like “sunder Kona” (beautiful corner) in 2010. Under this scheme, all the “chauraha” and “chowks” of walled city were mapped, and plants were planted in pots.

Singapore is an interesting, if somewhat unexpected, an example of using urban heritage successfully, Singapore in the mid-1980s from a demolish and rebuild approach to city planning, greater effort has been made to reinforce and integrate past heritage with present developments, with a major turning point being a 1989 planning act amendment 17. The number of identified conservation areas has increased to more than 20 (total area 751 ha). Involving historic shophouse areas saved from demolition and specific restoration according to guidelines with information for owners to help protect authenticity, these Singapore examples demonstrate how change and adaptation towards improved environmental character underscore how the past should serve the future.

Allied to an understanding of the benefits from international case studies of urban heritage, conservation will be enhancing livability and place identity and also greater appreciation of the advisability of input from local communities in the process of urban renewal. This study focus on urban conservation and localization, ‘emphasizing local solutions to national problems and reaffirming the conviction that urban livability requires.

Research Methodology

The research follows a relative logical strategy and attempts to cover historical urban spaces of the town in relation to tourism development for formulating an appropriate conservation plan. A comprehensive review of literature and reconnaissance survey of this historic town were carried out by the author. The study follows the case-study approach by using the snowball sampling technique. Residents and tourists of the case study area were interrogated through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The authors interviewed the Archaeology, tourism Department and a municipal committee of Hassanabdal for gathering suitable primary and secondary data. It was discerned through interviews and surveys that all the monuments carrying inheritance significance are now located in the heart of the town (Fig. 2.), which could be termed as a central historic zone. The study area is bounded with the 200’ periphery of the historic monuments presented within the central zone. Interpretation of the analytical data was made in the form of assessment and recommendations to achieve a conservation plan for the said zone.

Figure 2

Focused area to be conserved



Detail of the Study Area

Tracing out its important historic structures, it was observed that many of the significant historic structures like Hindu temples, Mughal Shahjehani Sarai had been vanished with the passage of time due to many reasons. These structures were once considered an integral part of the area. The remaining significant structures, including that of Mughal era constructions are Mughal Lalazar garden, Makbara e Hakeeman and Fish pond and Sikh era constructions including Gurdwara and residential units in Androon Mohallah shown in Fig. 3. are the traced historic structures in the area and further significant historic structures highlighted in green colour.

The entire area of Hassanabdal consists of various residential Mohallahs, commercial areas and small household factories. The town’s initial spread started from the base of the Baba Hassanabdal Mountain and spread toward the triangular areas of the two main highways. The initial town developed comprising of various historical monuments with significant value are now in the central area highlighted in Fig. 3 as Central historic zone.

Figure 3

The Central Historic Zone of Hassanabdal



Among these historical edifices, various Hindu temples have vanished with the passage of time (Housing and Physical Planning Department Government of Punjab 1984). All the following historic structures are in sound condition and have their own noteworthy value, and can be worked out for conservation and saving the heritage of the area.

Mughal Period

The Mughal period constructions in the selected area include the Tomb and garden of Lala Rukh(1589AD) and Muqbara Hakeeman and fish pond (1581-1583AD) shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Another Mughal renowned construction was the Shahjehani Sarai (Lahori, Abdul 1875) that has been vanished into the rapid encroachments of bazaars and residential areas.

Figure 4

Tomb and Garden of Lala Rukh



Figure 5

Maqbara Hakeeman and Fish Pond



Sikh Period

Sikh almost ruled for 36 years in Hassanabdal. There was almost 4-5 Gurdwara constructed by Sikhs in the Hassanabdal area. Only surviving is the Panja Sahib Gurdwara (Fig. 6.), established which was in 1830 and is one of the holiest places in the Sikh faith. Around three thousand Sikh pilgrims from India and more than two thousand Sikh pilgrims from all over Pakistan gather here (Jalal 2015). They have two main celebrations, one in April and the other in November, i.e., the birthday of Guru Nanak and Baisakhi maila, respectively (Wikipedia n.d.).

Figure 6

Sikh Gurdwara Panja Sahib



Other Prevailing Periods

Other reigning periods found in the history of Hassanabdal town were the Muslim Period (1406-1416 AD), Hindu Period and the Buddhist Period (4th to 6th century BC). One of the remnants of the Muslim Period is a thought chamber of a Muslim saint recognized as Baba Wali Kandhari, also known as Baba Hassanabdal, and a Chillagah just in front of Gurdwara. There were many small and medium-size Hindu temples in the area, among which only some survived. These temples are not live, but their structures give a picture of Hindu period constructions. (Fig. 7.). 

Figure 7

Views of Ruined Hindu Temples in the Area



There are traces of a monumental Buddhist monastery just a few yards away from the Gurdwara Punja Sahib and believed to be the largest one on the premises. 

Figure 8

Traces of Buddhist Monastery Walls, Occupied by Local Residents occupation and many parts of it has been damaged by the new constructions. (Fig. 8.)



Conservation Need of Central Historic Zone

Conservation of historic town and its monuments helps in safeguarding and preserving the elements of its pride, identity and residents’ belongings. The unique characteristic of the local community should be considered seriously in the process of heritage conservation (Goje, Babaita, and Oros 2014).

Over the years, Hassanabdal’s multi-cultural society have developed an attractive culmination of culture, which lure foreign tourist. These cultural identities and expressions include traditional arts and crafts. Many tourists visit heritage sites to encounter and experience the typical ambience of their architecture, history and local culture. Conservation help ensures the preservation of such historic character and traditional essences for the benefits of tourism (Ireland 2010).

The conservation process of the central historical zone of Hassanabdal town relates mostly to the preservation and restoration of its significant historic buildings and sites, which lie along with Ismail Shaheed road. The process should not only preserve the image and identity of the built environment but should also provide the missing link between the rich tradition of the past and the present. It should include preservation and renovation of street facade, building material, height, functions and interior renovation. Therefore, instead of putting more effort into tourism development alone, a balanced approach is required to be established between the conservation of cultural heritage and the tourism industry (Kolonias 1987).

The traditional stone and brick buildings with the combined significance of Mughal, Sikhs as well as Islamic architecture, this town is a place of a unique blend of history, culture and architecture. At the first step, the conservation of the central historical zone of Hassanabdal, including Gurdwara, Mughal Lalazar garden, Fishpond, the natural flowing river across the main central road, will result in the proposal which will enhance the area as well as the tourist attraction.

Findings

The major issue appears that the central historical zone of Hassanabdal is that the central historic zone is under the supervision of different departments. Department of Archaeology is responsible for Mughal Monuments. Evacuee Trust Board is taking care of Gurdwara Punja Sahib, and Auqaf Department is responsible for the Muslim saint Baba Wali Kandhari’s Baithak and Chillahgah. The whole area is under the supervision of (Municipal Committee) MC. All the structures are in the vicinity, but due to their independent supervisors, they lack linkage. Other assessments of the issues are as follows.




Surrounding Urban Areas

The central zone is surrounded by the Main Bazar road at North. Towards South East is the famous mountain having Baba Wali Kandhari’s Bithak at the top and other side comprising of residential areas having traditional Mohallah systems. The main bazar road has both commercial and residential units. This is somehow reflecting the remains of lost historical structures and reflecting the heritage significance of the area. The encroachments by the residents and the commercial areas have overwhelmed the appearance of the structures. 

Structures Blocking the Views

Figure 9

Shopping and Residential Quarters Blocking



The Views of Historical ZoneThe views of central zone monuments, including the Gurdwara and Mughal structures, have been blocked by the development of shopping area and some residential quarters, as highlighted in Fig. 9

Open Drain and Stream Running Parallel

The open-drain sewerage system has spoiled the natural exquisiteness and is the major cause of pollution to the area. Residents and visitors throw their garbage in them as there is no classification of Clean and dirty water. Particularly in the central zone, both are running parallel to each other, which are shown in Fig. 10 and 11.

Figure 10

Open Drain and Stream Water Through Gurdwara



Figure 11



Landscaping

Fig.11. Location of Open Drain and Natural Stream on Google MapThe selected central zone has open vistas of the hill, which has been developed as a park with thick plantations by DOAM (Department of Archaeology and museum), but the Lalazar Park and the surrounding of Makbara-e- Hakeeman are lacking the soft and hard landscape elements.




Signage and Opaque

The area lacks signage to direct the visitors. In the central zone, just one opaque can be seen for tourist guidance. This opaque is at the front of Makbara-e-Hakeeman, erected by DOAM (Department of Archaeology and museum) which identify the history of both tomb and the garden shown in Fig. 12. There is no other signage across the area that could describe the importance of other significant structures and areas

Figure 12

Opaque Explaining the History of Mughal



Repairs of the Significant Historic StructuresIt has been observed that the materials used for the repair of Mughal monuments are not appropriate, as discussed in Table 1 and Table 2. The lime plaster done on Makbara-e-Hakeeman didn’t have the ingredients of Mughal lime plaster. The roof drainage was also not considered during repairs; that’s why seepage has again caused the façade surface deterioration. The traces of Galib Kari on the ceiling have not been followed as stated in Tareekh-e-Hassanabdal

Table 1

Mughal Period Historical Structures.



Table 2

Sikh Period Historical Structures



The Appearance of the Buildings

Taking the appearance of the buildings individually, there is a vast difference between all of them. Gurdwara is well maintained. But the general appearance of the building’s outer façades, viewing from the central road, crossing the historical structures have been overwhelmed by the banners and posters on the walls. Mughal monuments are just in fair condition.




Haphazard Electric Wires

Haphazard wires and Electric poles with transformers running across the central historic zone give an unpleasant appearance to the natural vistas. The underground wiring could be done to cover up this factor.




Community Participation

Residents are not familiar with the importance of their heritage importance and the knowledge of the history of a historic town. They have very limited information about the significance of their historic areas and are ignorant of the pollution elements for the natural stream.

Concerned Professionals TrainingThe professionals supervising the monuments are fulfilling their responsibilities. They are available on their duties, but due to no specialized training, they are making all efforts at their own understanding level.




Harmony of Urban Areas

It has been observed that the haphazard planning in this area resulted in a lack of planning. The whole historical structure have not been observed under one roof, so no harmony exists in the area.




Maintenance of Structures

Continuous maintenance is required for these monuments. Gurdwara is well maintained due to the fact that the Sikh community feel it as their ritual responsibility. The repair and maintenance work is done by the Sikh community as well as the Evacuee Trust caretakers. Whereas Mughal structures once had been repaired by DOAM (Department of Archaeology and museum) did not continue due to the lack of staff.




Archaeological Investigations

Buddhist monastery whose traces have been found in recent years has not been preceded by the authorities because of the protest of the residents occupying the areas of that particular site.




Traffic Control

The central crossing road, which is Ismail Shaheed road, is considered as the shortcut joining GT road and Karakorum Highway. Traffic passes through the historic area without any speed limitation shown in Fig. 13.

Figure 13

Ismail Shaheed Road Crossing the Central Tourists Facilitation



There is an impact of religious tourism as well as local tourism in the area. This rate varies on weekdays, weekends and on ritual ceremonies of both Muslims and Sikh believers, as discussed in Table 3.




 

Table 3. Number of Visitors

Number of Tourists Visiting Lalazar Garden
Days	Number of Visitors
Week Days
Monday	500-800
Tuesday	500-800
Wednesday	500-800
Thursday	500-800
Friday	500-800
Weekend
Saturday	1800-2000
Sunday	1800-2000
Sikh Ritual Ceremonies	5000-7000
Muslim’s Ceremonies	5000-7000

 




Sikh tourists visiting the area are provided with residence within the Gurdwara premises on routine days. On peak rush days, especially on ritual ceremonies of Baisakhee and Guru Nanak’s birthday, the Government school at the western side of Gurdwara is occupied with providing additional accommodation to Sikhs. Children are given vacations for those specific days. Additional facilities like ATM machines, canteen, dispensary and other requirements are provided

 

within the Gurdwara premises on a temporary basis. Muslim religious tourists coming to the area have no facilities like washrooms, canteen and bank within the area. Parking seems to be another major issue that is lacking for the visitors in the area. There is one vacant plot that is used as parking, and other visitors park their vehicles at the sides of the road.

The historical places from India have also been checked about their visitors count in Table 4.




 

Table 4. Visitors’ Count for Historical Places

Visitor’s Count for Historical Places of India
Places Name	Number of foreign Visitors
Golden Temple	35812
Wagah Border	19380
Nangal dam	8209
Devi Talab Mandir	1816
Sheesh Mahal	360

Prepared by: DMG consulting services

 




Recommendation for the Conservation Plan of Central Zone

To meet the essentials of the site and the requirements of its owner and tourists, various measurements and recommendations have been formulated aiming towards the conservation plan of the central historical zone of Hassanabdal town, under the guidelines and structure of the

 

ICOMOS charter for conservation of historic towns (Taylor 2016).

 

Encroachments

All the encroachments made by residents and shopkeepers, especially in the main bazar area, are suggested to be removed for the comfort of the visitors coming to the area. In fig. 15, the red line depicts the old bazar road.

Figure 15

Line Showing the Main Bazar Road



Removal of Structures

The structures that are blocking the views of Gurdwara Punja Sahib & Mughal Monuments include a shopping area at the front of the eastern entrance of Gurdwara & residential quarters at the front of Baba Wali Kandhari’s Baithak are proposed to be removed as shown in Fig. 16. It will open the vistas for one entering the central historic zone. In addition, the structure of the Evacuee trust board Building at the bank of drain & river is proposed to be demolished to attain the green belt and buffer zone between road & steam.

Figure 16

Proposal Detail Highlighted in DifferentThe appearance of the Buildings



The high-rise structure must not be allowed to be built in the central zone surrounding so as to avoid their dominance over the monuments. The overwhelming structures between the Gurdwara and Mughal monuments in the form of small commercial areas and some residential units are recommended to be shifted from the central zone. This will open the vistas for one entering the area.

Façade Uplifting

After the removal of encroachments and non-significant structures, those are blocking the vistas of historical monuments, façade uplifting of the mosque structure is suggested. The façade uplifting will be done in such a way that it would harmonize the overall environment.




Covered Drain

The drain containing sewerage water is proposed to be covered throughout the distance within the central zone. It would be covered by lift able concrete slab, which could be removed at some parts for the cleaning purpose. The Slab will be given a lining of sweet soil for greenery. The pollution factor of the area will also be controlled by this solution.




Natural Stream

The natural stream (Fig. 17.) flowing from the site is proposed to be clear up to its maximum natural flow. Manmade structure giving an artificial look to a natural creation that is blue-tiled pool is removed in the proposed conservation plan.

Figure 17

Natural Spring Passing through the Central



Sub- Surface Electricity

Underground electric wiring is proposed to be done in the conservation proposal of the central zone. This would clear the vistas between the historic structures.




Landscaping

• To fulfil the lacking elements of the soft and hard landscape in the conservation zone, a proposal in Figure 18 includes,Green belt at the bank of a stream, with the erection of benches to view the natural vistas.

• Saru and Rose plants are to be planted within the Chaharbagh of Lalazar and across both sides of the pathway leading to its gate from Makbara-e-Hakeeman.

• Bermuda grass inlay is suggested to be done in the premises of the historic zone’s existing and proposed green belts. This grass type is most suitable in the particular environment.

• The maintenance of the landscaping will be the responsibility of the suggested team of caretakers.

• Erection of Signage and Opaque

• Signboards must be erected for the knowledge of visitors and tourists of the area as well as they will give the sense of preciousness of the historic area to its residents too.

Figure 18

Proposed Green Belt on Covered Drain



Appropriate Materials

There should be a strong check on the materials been used for the conservation of and repair of the historic structures. They should be in the compliance with the statutory requirements. (Fig. 19.)

Figure 19

Proposed Uplifting of Mughal Lalazar Garden



Figure 20

Proposed Façade Uplifting for the Building and Structures of Gurdwara



The façade uplifting is proposed for the building and structures of Gurdwara and its premises, as shown in Fig. 20. The T-junction of Ismail Shaheed road and Main Bazar road façades is proposed to be Uplifted in the conservation proposal. The mosque structure with Wali Kandhari Chillagah’s façade is also proposed to be uplifted in the proposal.

Training of Inhabitants

This naturally scenic town cannot be properly conserved without the participation of the residents. Especially the importance of natural flowing streams should be understood by the residents of the town. For that purpose, a campaign is proposed to be generated to educate the people by the TMA and local MPA’s so as to safeguard heritage and for security in addition to the well-being of the residents.




Concerned Professionals Training

Specialized training should be launched for the concerned team and the caretakers of the site. This would be helpful for the facilitation to the tourists and visitors coming to the area.




Harmony in Elements

Any discordant element must be not be constructed in the area. The wall of the water tank is suggested to be treated with harmonious material and design that could blend with its Mughal monumental structure. Furthermore, thick plantations of Saru and Palm trees could be planted to hide the unavoidable structure of water plants. All contemporary elements should be in harmony with the surroundings.




Maintenance Team

Continuous maintenance is a definite aspect for the area to survive as much as possible. One management team is proposed to be formed with the co-operation of the concerned department that would be responsible for the maintenance and security of the whole central zone.




Archaeological Investigations Proceeding

Archaeological findings of traces of buried Buddhist monastery outside the eastern side of the boundary wall of Lalazar Garden and some across the Northern side of this garden must be seriously investigated and preserved by the Department of Archaeology. It will definitely add to the national heritage. The concerned authorities should take notice of these till all to vanish.




Traffic Control

To control the traffic entering inside the historic zone a parking plaza is suggested at Ismail Shaheed road. This open plot is recently been used for parking. This parking plaza will cater the needs of tourists and visitor coming to visit Gurdwara, Mughal garden and Wali Kandhari Baithak and will control the damage caused due to pollution, nuisance and vibrations that effects the historic fabric or its environment. (Fig.21.)

 




Tourist’s Facilitation

Figure 21

Low Traffic Passing through the Area with Speed Limits



Most of the recommendations made will facilitate the tourist and visitors coming to the area as well as the locals. A parking plaza proposed in the plan will cater the facilities like toilets, the canteen at the Ismail Shaheed road just at the front of Markazi Imambargah. Erection of benches, plantation, lights and other street furniture will facilitate the uses and visitors. Another proposed structure for the facilitation of tourists is the guest house within the site of Evacuee office site at the T junction of Ismail Shaheed road and Main Bazar road.

Relationships between Buildings and Green Spaces

The uniqueness of this town is hidden in its natural exquisiteness; the open spaces in the form of fields and the natural flowing fresh steams must be saved from pollution and dirtiness. Nature is though providing unique vistas to the buildings. The open fields left in and around the historic area must be kept alive. No further extensions of residential Mohallahs should be encouraged on the premises. The growth of the city must be now in a north direction across the Karakorum Highway.




Single Management System

The whole central zone is proposed to be run under a single management team that will be having members from DOAM, ETPB, Auqaf Department and TMA with the participation of local political bodies. The flow of the newly formed Management team named “Historic zone Management” and Collaborative departments with their set responsibilities is given in Fig. 22.

Figure 22

Proposed Management System for the Site



Correlation between Issues and Recommendations

The following table (Table 4.) highlights the correlation between issues and recommendations

 

Table 4. Correlation between Issues and Recommendations

Subject	Issues	Recommendations
Conservation and site management	Lack of knowledge and importance of the historical significance of monuments	Documentation of history been done and significant training proposed
	Detailed and standard documentation required	Full documentation of history, existing situations and survey of Urban spaces
	The required Archaeological investigations	Trained archaeologists to give considerations to new digs
	Unskilled labor and staff	Training programs for professionals, craftsmen, and staff engaged at the site
	Requirement of a structured management system to take care of whole areas	Formulation of “Central Historic Zone Management team.”
	Lack of knowledge among residents	Training programs in the form of workshops, lectures and presentations and pamphlets distribution
	In appropriate conservation material	Use of appropriate material through investigation and literature review
The historic zone maintenance team	The lack of systematic and regular monitoring at the site	Systematic monitoring of Historical zone through trained staff
Subject	Issues	Recommendations
Landscape elements	Insufficient Soft and hard landscape Lack of tourist guidance	Green belts, plantation, roses flower belts, benches, opaque and signage
	Continuous maintenance for landscaping	Trained gardeners to be hired
Environmental and Physical infrastructure	Encroachments and structures block the views.	Removal of encroachments and opening of vistas by removing additional structures
	Lack of fresh water and intermixing with drainage water	Proposal of the covered drain with maintained green belt and opening the flow path of natural spring. Preventing the throw of freshwater into the drain
	Non-availability of decent toilet facilities	Proposed facilitation to the visitors and tourists
	Lack of traffic rules within the site	Proposed parking plaza and the speed limit for the passing LTV vehicles

 




The emphasis on the need to adopt the recommended proposal is made through the presentation of some facts regarding the impacts of tourism projects from the international examples. C.L. Jenkins in his studies describes that for many developing countries major source foreign exchange earnings is tourism, and in many of those countries, tourism is developed for foreign visitors. Therefore, it has become more of a booming export industry of almost every country. He encouraged the investments of this industry with the support of the argument that people coming from developed countries expect the facilities to be up to the standards of their countries or at least decent enough to tolerate [18]—Moreover, Shiji. O’s study shows that with the promotion of the tourism industry and its projects, it is being observed that the number of foreign tourists increased from 2,649,378 in 2000 to 7,679,099 in 2014and foreign exchange earnings increased from 15,626 Crore in 2000 to 1,23,320 Crore in 2014 [19]. These numbers show the very importance of the adaptation of practices that promote and enhance the tourism sector. This study has made an effort to shed some light on an area that needs attention and have proposal and recommendations to form a basis to uplift this sector.

 

Implementation of Conservation Plan

The plan would be implemented as a joint venture of the Department of Archaeology, Evacuee Trust Board and Auqaf Department under the supervision of TMA with the help and concerns of local government MPA’S.

 

Proposed Master Plan of Central Zone

The drawn map listed is the on-scale map of the existing condition of the central historic zone using Autocad as a tool. Further the Fig. 23 is the proposed/recommended master plan of the central historical zone of Hassanabdal town formulated after the assessment and analysis of the area. The central zone taken in this master plan is 117 Kanals.

Figure 23

Proposed Master Plan of Central Historic Zone of Hassanabdal Town.



In this proposed master plan, the major changes brought on site are the removal of commercial and some residential structures. The commercial area removed to clear up vistas between the historical structures is almost 4.5 Kanals, and the residential area is 2 Kanals. The Evacuee Trust Property Board’s ruined building i.e. removed and proposed green belt formed on it is of 1.5 Kanal. The total area of the proposed contoured green belt to view the freshwater stream is almost 2 Kanals. Fig. 20 is the 3D view of the existing condition of the central zone generated using Sketchup software. Furthermore, Fig. 24, 25, and 26 are the 3D views of the proposed master plan of the central historic zone.

Figure 24

Sketchup generated 3D view of the existing condition of the central zone



Figure 25

Sketchup generated 3D view of the existing condition of the central zone



Figure 26

Another 3D view of the proposed master plan of the central historic zoneConclusions



The area once famous for its flowing water streams will be freshened up by the provision of landscape and sewerage systems. This will enhance the exquisiteness of the Historic zone and will uplift the tourist potential of the area. The appearance of the buildings will be enhanced by the various measures taken in the proposal. The inhabitants will also be benefit by their proposed trainings. The various measures as façade uplifting, removal of encroachments and sub-surface electricity will add up to the uplifting of the area. The whole area will be taken under single supervision is the concept in which all the monuments will be equally treated in terms of their significance. The final proposals generated in the form of two- and three-dimensional views will be helpful for the authorities to save the historic zone in a deliberate way. All of the proposals have the potential to not only beautify but also to increase the influx of visitors to the Hassanabdal, and this increase in the number of tourists will ultimately boost the economy of the area. In conclusion, if Hassanabdal gets the attention that it deserves, in terms of conservation and preservation of its tourist points and overall value of this place, from the concerning authorities, then it has a great deal of potential to positively affect the tourism sector of Pakistan, which plays a huge role in uplifting the image of a country.

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• Lahori, A. H. (1875). Padshahnama. Hafiz Press.
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