Lahore’s landmarks change

LAHORE

The ongoing rapid infrastructural transformation of the provincial capital has seriously affected its iconic landmarks tied to the city’s identity as many are replaced by new landmarks while some have just vanished from their places.

City landmarks and icons play an important role in identification of a city among the residents of a country as well as the international community.

These landmarks are also associated with the memories of general public who had seen them and visited them.

The landmarks are used on postcards, calendars, pictures and videos and those who knew the landmark will immediately recognise the cities. For example, by seeing picture of Minar-e-Pakistan, we know immediately it’'s Lahore, by seeing Ghanta Ghar in a video we will know that this shot is taken in Faisalabad and the list goes on. City icons are also considered to be a powerful tool to spread the message of identity.

In Lahore several landmarks have fell victim to infrastructural development which include Kalma chowk, Fawara Chowk, China Chowk, Mozang Chungi, Giant size Ghogu Ghorye at Urdu Bazaar, Jain Mandir, Borh Wala Chowk, Chaghi Monument and Missile Chowk near Railway Station.

Liberty Roundabout is under the process of remodelling while a new Clock Rower has been constructed at Mozang Chungi, a huge pigeon house outside the Town Hall and various huge iron frames for flower decoration have been made on Jail Road, Canal Bank Road and other roads. Chuburgi, which is one of the historical landmarks of the city, is also under the phase of remodelling due to the construction of Orange Line Metro Train. The track of Metro bus, Azadi Chowk Flyover, Arfa Karim Tower, The Mall of Lahore, Expo Centre in Johar Town, Kalma Chowk overhead and underpass, newly constructed Shadman underpass and newly constructed underpass and flyover at Fawara Chowk are considered to be the new landmarks and icons of the sprawling city of Lahore.

Nayyar Ali Dada, renowned architect while talking with The News, said Lahore is a metropolitan city and its growth is obvious. He said painful thing in Lahore’s development is that the city planners have not considered anything to save the historical heritage like Shalimar Gardens, Chuburgi, Lakshami Chowk and other buildings. These monuments should have been protected at any cost, he asserted.