Assembly Business

List of Business

Summary of Proceedings

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

CULTURE, TOURISM AND ANTIQUITIES DEPARTMENTS

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

MONDAY THE 24^TH MAY, 2010.

*2179. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that due to Government negligence, the historically important centuries old Khao Jo Daro situated in the North-West of Mirpur Khas Town has been criminally damaged by the land grabbers who have dug up and taken away its material and are now establishing there upon colonies under various names and selling the plots to the people;

(b)   Whether any staff for its maintenance the said Daro is appointed, if so, the details there of;

(c)    Is it a fact that in 2007, the Chief Justice Supreme Court taking notice of the situation ordered to do away with the occupation of the Daro, if so, what action was taken on these Orders;

(d)   Do Government intend to taken appropriate action in this regard, if so, when and what?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture:

(a)   The repair, maintenance and conservation of historical monuments and archeological sites has been the responsibility of Department of Archeology and Museums, Government of Pakistan. Since archeological sites in Sindh have been neglected as far as their preservation is concerned, the Sindh Government took up the matter with Federal Government for transfer of these sites to Provincial Government. In principle it has been agreed to transfer administrative control of 128 sites, which were declared as protected under Antiquities Act 1975 to Sindh Government, alongwith staff. For transfer of sites and staff, physical joint survey of sites is being carried out. However Federal Government has not provided funds /budget for maintenance of these sites and salaries of the employees and other operational expenses.

Kaho Jo Daro situated near Mirpurkhas town is included in the list of 128 sites. Because of the negligence, it has been damaged. People of area had dug out and removed earth from there. An officer of Culture Department was deputed to visit the site. He has reported that ruins of the site have lost their original shape, as people have removed earth from there and some persons have encroached upon the land by constructing katcha houses.

Though the Archeological sites including Kaho Jo Daro has not been officially transferred to Sindh Government but Culture department requested the District Administration to take necessary steps to stop this illegal practice of removing earth from site and for removing encroachments.

(b)   There are only two site Attendants posted at Kahao Jo Daro by Federal Archeology Department.

(c)    Yes. The Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan in a HR Case 179/ ordered for removal of encroachments from all archeological sites, including Kahao Jo-Daro.

(d)   On receiving complaints regarding encroachments, the Minister Culture personally contacted DCO and DPO of Mirpurkhas for removal of encroachments and to ensure that no further demange is caused to Kahao Jo Daro. The encroachments have been removed and DCO has reported that with the assistance of Police 19 illegal structures have been demolished/ removed. Four persons were arrested and FIR has been lodged. The entire area of 23 Acres 12 Ghunta, as entered in Revenue record in the name of Kahao Jo Daro has been cleared from encroachments. No housing society or colony has been established on the site.

*2180. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that due to lack of repair/maintenance for last so many years, the condition of the historical KOTDIJI situated in district Khairpur has become critical and even cracks have been appeared in its walls and historical guns/cannons/other items have been stolen from there;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, does Government intend to take action in this regard?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture:

(a)      It is correct that because of negligence of Federal Archeology Department, the condition of historical Kotdiji Fort is not good. It requires some immediate repair and conservation work. Some repair work had been done few years back, but that was not according to international standard of conservation and preservation. Therefore it was stopped.

The proper upkeep, maintenance and preservation is the responsibility of Federal Archeology Department, even then the Culture department took notice of situation. Minister Culture visited Kotdiji for number of times during last two years and a scheme has been prepared for preservation of Kotdiji Fort and establishment of museum.

The Department is also preparing a scheme for establishment of museum at Khairpur for preservation and display of cannon, guns and others articles belonged to the Kotdiji Fort.

(b)      The District Coordination Officer, Khairpur has reported that neither guns nor cannon from Kotdiji Fort have been stolen or removed.

*2181. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the land grabbers continuing efforts to erase the graves in the ancient historical graveyard in the Adam Shah Hill in Sukkur, where many well known personalities including late maulai Sheedai are buried;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture:

(a)      Yes, it is fact that Adam Shah Hill graveyard in Sukkur is surrounded by encroachments. Improper sewerage system in Katchi Abadies, located around graveyard has further detoriated its condition and stagnant water has accumulated in some portion of graveyard.

(b)   Though it is the responsibility of District Government to get the encroachments removed and drain out stagnant water from graveyard but the Culture Department realizing the importance of historical graveyard contacted District Government Sukkur for draining out stagnant water from graveyard, arrange for proper sewerage system in Katchi Abadies situated near graveyard and construct boundary wall around it.

*2434. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the Department is planning/intending to construct a “Model Park” at Liaquatabad Town, Karachi;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, the expenditure involved?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture:

A scheme for construction of Model Park at Liaquatabad was initiated by the City District Government through Annual Development Program of Culture Department. The scheme is reflected in ADP 2009-10 and an amount of Rs. 3.00 million has been allocated for current financial year. The PC-I of the scheme has not been approved. Since the construction of Parks in Karachi is being done by the City District Government Karachi, therefore the Culture Department has proposed that scheme be implemented by City District Government Karachi from its own funds. The amount kept for scheme in current year’s ADP will be utilized through re-appropriation to other scheme on need basis.

It may be mentioned that Federal Government and Sindh Government has provided sufficient funds to City District Government Karachi exclusively for establishment of parks. The allocation on this head is all times record allocation.

*2437. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Tourism be pleased to state:-

Number of Hotels/Motels/Rest-houses operated by the Department as on 31-07-2009 alongwith the location and fees charged from visitors?

ANSWER

MS. SHAZIA MARI, Minister for Tourism:

The Sindh Tourism Development Corporation has hotels/motels and Rest Houses at following places:

(i)    Hotel Sambara Inn, Larkana-24(18 AC and 6 non-AC rooms are operational)-Daily rent is Rs. 1200/- for non-AC and Rs. 1500/- for AC room.

(ii)   Lal Shahbaz Rest House, Sehwan (10 double rooms and 10 single rooms)-double room (AC) Rs. 1000/- single room non-AC Rs. 400/-. double room (non-AC) Rs. 600/-.

(iii)  Huts at Keenjhar 22 huts - (8 AC and 14 non-AC) Rs. 3000/- for AC Hut. Rs. 1500/- for non-AC hut on weekends 30% discount is given another days.

(iv)   Marvi Rest House, Mithi - 2 rooms (AC) Rs. 1200/-.

*2521. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the historical pucca fort of Hyderabad spread over 36 acres in the property of Archeology and Culture Department;

(b)   Is it a fact that District Nazim, Hyderabad has given property rights of the land to the illegal occupants;

(c)    Is it a fact that the Government has sanctioned five crore rupees for the repair of the fort;

(d)   If answer to (a) to (c) above is in affirmative, does Government intend to get it vacated and get it properly repaired/renovated and rehabilitate the displaced families?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture:

(a)   According to City Survey record, the total area of Pucca Fort, Hyderabad is 38-12 acres (C.S. No. 770/1 Ward “E” Taluka City Hyderabad). Such entry was made in revenue record on 20.3.1956 under order of the then Commissioner, Hyderabad Division vide No. 5957/53/ (Rev.) dated 8.3.1956 and as well as Additional Deputy Commissioner’s letter No. R/5483 dated 20.3.1956.

Because of the neglect on the part of the Federal Archeology Department damage has been caused to Pucca Fort on one hand and there have been large number of encroachments inside the Fort and around its wall causing concern to civil society. There have been demand against the permanent settlement of illegal occupants.

(b)   The District Coordination Officer, Hyderabad has reported that there is no entry in favour of any private person as far as land of Pucca Fort is concerned.

(c)    It is not correct.

(d)   The Archeology Department, Government of Pakistan and Culture Department, Government of Sindh has taken up matter with District Government, Hyderabad to get the encroachments removed from within the Pucca Fort and around its wall.

The government is determined to get the encroachments removed and preserve Pucca Qilla. The Antiquities Department has preparing scheme for its proper preservation and maintenance. The scheme also envisages shifting of encroachers.

*2657. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

District-wise names/number of writers, poets and actors provided funds for their treatment alongwith amount of fund during the period from 31-01-2009 to 31-07-2009?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture:

Despite financial constraints, Culture Department provides financial assistance to needy poets, writers and artists as stipend regularly. In addition to that financial assistance is also given for medical treatment to ailing artists, writers and poets.

The Culture Department provided financial assistance to following artists, poets and writers for their medical treatment during the period from 31.01.2009 to 31.7.2009 (Six months only)

The Culture Department has established “Endowment Fund for Poor and Needy artists writers and poets” with initial amount of Rs.100 million which will be subsequently raised of Rs.200 million. The fund will be operated from July, 2010.Credit for establishment of such type funds goes to present government as no other provincial government has so far taken such initiative

*2658. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

Names/number of Artists given awards during 2008 alongwith nature of Awards?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture:

“Latif Award” is given by Culture Department to persons on their contribution in field of Singing and research on Shah Jo Ragh. This award is given each year on the occasion of Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai.

Following artists were given “Latif Award” on the occasion of 264^th Urs Celebration of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai held in February, 2008:

Ø   Abdullah Panhwar (Latif Ragh)

Ø   Ghulam Muhammad,(Benjo Nawaz)

Ø   Bhano Khan Shaikh (Research)

Ø   Allah Dino Nizamani (Shah Jo Ragi)

Culture Department has also initiated three different awards Shah Latif Excellence Award with Rs. 100000/- cash in seven categories, Shaikh Ayaz Award and Josh Malihabadi Award carrying Rs. 75000/- cash award for five categories in each. These awards are given to scholars, writers, artists and poets on their contribution in the field of performing arts and Sindhi/Urdu literature. During year 2008 these awards were given to following:

*2674. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

District-wise number of rest houses, museums, resorts working under the control of department?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture:

Following Museums/rest houses are working under the arrangements of Culture Department:

(i)    Sindh Provincial Museum, Hyderabad

(ii)   Bhitshah Museum at Bhitshah, District Matiari

(iii)  Folk Craft Museum at Sehwan Sharif, District Jamshoro.

(iv)   Moomal ji Mari Museum in District Ghotki

(v)    Rest House at Cultural Complex Bhitshah District Matiari.

(vi)   Rest House at Moomal Ji Mari District Ghotki

The Tourism Department operates following motels and resorts:

(i)    Hotel Sambara Inn, Larkana.

(ii)   Lal Shahbaz Rest House, Sehwan.

(iii)  Huts at Keenjhar Lake.

(iv)   Marvi Rest House, Mithi.

The Culture has initated a scheme of establishment of Cultural Complex at District headquarter. Each Complex will have four components i.e. library, Art Gallery, museum and Auditorium. A small space will be available for display and marketing of local handicrafts. Presently construction work of Cultural Complexes at Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Benazirabad, Thatta, Tando Allah Yar is in progress. The Cultural Complex in Mithi and Mirpurkhas are nearing to completion.

*2675. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

Work carried out by the committee constituted for the rehabilitation of Moen-Jo-Daro and Makli grave yards alongwith names of members of the committee and number of meetings held by the committee uptill now?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture:

There is no such committee constituted BY Sindh Government to carryout work on the rehabilitation of Moen Jo Daro and Makli graveyard.  However, there is an Executive Board National Fund for Moen Jo Daro, constituted by the Federal Ministry of Culture on the advice of the UNCESCO to carryout the work of rehabilitation of Moen Jo Daro only.

The Executive Board comprises of:

1.    Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of Pakistan.

2.    Secretary, Culture, Government of Sindh.

3.    Representative of UNESCO.

4.    DG, Department of Archeology and Museums, Government of Pakistan.

The Executive Board has also constituted technical committee to look after the technical and specialized side of the works. It comprises of:

(i)    Prof. of Dr. Miachal Jhonson, Professor University of Aachen, Germany.

(ii)   Prof. Sohiko Yamada, Architect/Town Planner, Japan.

(iii)  Engr. Mushtaq H. Dawood, Principal of Mushtaq and Bilal Consulting Engineers Karachi

(iv)   Dr. Fazal Dad Kakar, D.G Development of Archeology and Museum, Government of Pakistan.

(v)    Mr. Maqsood Ahmed Malik, Senior Architect, Development of Archeology and Museum, Government of Pakistan Northern Circle.

The Executive Board holds periodic meetings.

The Government of Sindh has recently constituted a “Management Board for Archeological Ruins of Moen-jo-daro” headed by the Honourable Chief Minister Sindh for developing a Master Management Plan for preservation of this site of International fame.

Though the Moen Jo Daro is not included in 129 sites to be transferred to Sindh Government, Culture Department has been making efforts through District Administration for safeguard of the sites whenever there is reports regarding the damages to the ruins. The Culture Minister visited Moenjodaro a number of times, held meeting with officers of Federal Archeology Department and local administration emphasizing for making efforts for proper upkeep of the sites. On the recommendation of the Minister Culture the Federal Archeology Department has prepared a master plan for preservation of Makli Hills, the plan is yet to be approved by Federal Government.

*2930. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Tourism be pleased to state:-

Details of the Master Plan for the development of Keenjhar Lake as well as terms and conditions of the public private partnership?

ANSWER

MS. SHAZIA MARI, Minister for Tourism:

The Tourism Department with the Assistance of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Unit, Finance Department is trying to develop a Keenjhar Lake Resort project under the PPP modality. Master Plan of the project is spread over approximately 750 acres which equates to over 32 million sq. ft. the approximate built-up area in the Plan is only 1.4 million sq. ft., equating to an FAR of 1:0.043. the project is divided into following two packages:

i.     Package I: Resort Zone

This package is spread over an area of 550 acres having following components:

i.     Resort

ii.   Golf Course

iii.  Hospitality Area

iv.  Hospital and Mosque

ii.   Package II: Recreational Zone

This package is spread over 200 acres having following components:

i.     Medium Level Hospital/Lodging Area

ii.   Amusement/Theme Park

iii.  Museum

iv.  Food Street

The Master Plan has also earmarked an area of 500 acres for Environment Information Centre, Park, Bird Aviary, Equestrian Centre, Camping Ground and Sports Precinct. Special attention has been paid to incorporate the provisions for Sewage Treatment Plant and Solid Waste Management system as well.

Project Objectives:

The Master Plan has been developed around key objective of Lake Preservation which is an important wetland and main source of water for Karachi City but facing environmental degradation due to a host of issues, uncontrolled tourism being one of them. Through this project the Government intends to create an eco-friendly tourist destination the provides high quality hospitality, leisure, business and recreational facilities, in a secure yet eco-sensitive environment.

The project objectives can be summarized as follows:-

i.     Promotion of Tourism in Sindh:

The project seeks to create a world class eco-friendly tourist destination for the people with entertainment as well as recreational avenues and a place where people can spend quality time with their families.

ii.   Environmental Preservation:

It includes incorporation of an environment centered development, operation and maintenance framework that minimizes any adverse impact on existing environment and seeks to reverse some of the effects of degradation caused by unplanned development and exploitation of the Lake’s surrounding areas. The project in itself shall provide for environmental regeneration opportunities to mitigate the adverse impact caused already by the uncontrolled exploitation of the Lake.

iii. Social Uplift:

Use project as an economic stimulus for the surrounding area and create employment opportunities for people locally and around the province. The project would provide employment opportunities mainly to the local population which in turn would help in uplifting the lake surroundings, where locals currently live under extreme poverty conditions.

iv.  Private Sector Investment:

Search for ways to encourage private sector environment in Infrastructure Project; and

v.    Financial Viability:

Make the project financially viable for development under PPP mode in order to attract private sector investment in the infrastructure development of this project.

Terms & Conditions of PPP

Terms and conditions of Public Private Partnership differ widely due to aspects of commercial viability of each project. Since the transaction structure of this project is being finalized, it is difficult to speak of any terms and conditions for this project. Additionally, it is pointed out that the terms and conditions of this project shall be finalized in the concession agreement after the developer has been qualified and Concession Agreement finalized.

*2933. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Antiquities be pleased to state:-

Total disbursement made of “Endowment Fund” from 01-07-2008 to date for the preservation of Sindhi heritage as well as names of the beneficiary, amount paid for payment and reasons thereof?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI, (Chief Minister) Antiquities:

(i)       No disbursement has been made so far.

(ii)      Expression of interest for the restoration and conservation has been invited through the national and regional press.

*3032. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Antiquities be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that over Rs. 11 million has been allocated for the Photography, survey and documentation of Police Lines/DPO Office Jacobabad;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in the affirmative, the reasons thereof?

ANSWER

SYED QAIM ALI SHAH JILANI, (Chief Minister) Antiquities:

Under the directives of Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, D.C.O Jacobabad corresponded with this Department vide letter No. DRCS/DCO-JCD-HIST/-876, dated:     30-05-2009 and also SGA &C Department’s letter No. SO(C-III)/SGA&CD/1-347/09(Main) dated: 23^rd May, 2009, for conservation of Police Line/D.P.O Office, Jacobabad, therefore, an estimates of Rs. 11.940 million were made for under the scheme for Photography, Survey, Investigation, Documentation and full-fledged Conservation of Police Line/D.P.O Office, Jacobabad. The release of funds are awaited.

*3076. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the articles used by Meer Sher Mohammad Khan Talpur were stolen from the Tharparkar Museum in October, 2009;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture:

The Thar Museum in Mirpurkhas Town is functioning under the arrangements of Tharparkar Cultural Society and the District Administration. In the month of September, 2009, twenty two articles, including some guns and draggers were stolen.

As soon as it was learnt regarding the missing articles, the District Administration was contacted for early recovery of stolen articles and arresting culprits. FIR was lodged vide No.399/09 dated 28.9.2009. The Minister Culture herself monitored the progress of case. The culprits were apprehended and stolen articles were recovered from their possession. The accused persons are in jail and case is pending trial in the Court.

*3113. MS. HEER ISMAIL SOHO: Will the Minister for Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)   Number of rest houses established at Keenjhar Lake along with annual income of the said Rest Houses;

(b)   Income received from Rest Houses at Keenjhar Lake during the period from November, 2007 to November, 2009?

ANSWER

MS. SHAZIA MARI, Minister for Tourism:

(a)      There are a total number of 24 Tourism Department rest houses establish at Keenjhar Lake in1985 and annual income of financial years 2007-08 & 2008-09 is at Annexure-I, placed on the table of the House.

(b)      Income of Tourism Department Rest Houses at Keenjhar Lake during period November 2007 to November 2009 is at Annexure-II, placed on the table of the House.

*3114. MS. HEER ISMAIL SOHO: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

Location wise details of source of income of the Culture Department?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture:

There is no source of income of Culture Department. The expenditure under different heads is met out from annual budget.

*3115. MS. HEER ISMAIL SOHO: Will the Minister for Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that ban has been imposed by the Government on any type of allotment around Keenjhar Lake;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, the reasons thereof?

ANSWER

MS. SHAZIA MARI, Minister for Tourism:

(a)      Yes, the Government has imposed ban on any type of land allotment around Keenjhar Lake.

(b)      The reason for the ban is that since the Government intends to implement Keenjhar Lake Resort project at the Lake and with implementation of the project, the Land value is expected to rise. This situation may be exploited by the vested interests resulting in unplanned growth/construction. Through ban it would be ensured that the subsequent growth/ construction around the Keenjhar Lake takes place in the planned manner.

*3172. MS. HEER ISMAIL SOHO: Will the Minister for Culture be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the Department has decided to carryon survey of the historical places of the Province;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, the date since when the said survey has been started along with number of historical places whose survey has been carried on?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture:

There are a large number of archeological sites, ancient places and historical monuments in Sindh. The Federal Archeology Department has declared only 129 sites as protected heritage under the Antiquities Act 1975. The sties have been neglected as far as their preservation and upkeep is concerned. The other sites have not been even brought on the list of protected heritage. The Federal Government has agreed to transfer 129 sites to Provincial Government, however, the issues pertaining to the transfer of the staff posted there and funds for the maintenance and operational cost are yet to be finalized. A detailed survey is required for all ancient sites and historical monuments in the province.

The Antiquities Department Government of Sindh has started survey of all ancient sites and monuments in Sindh. So for survey in Thatta, T.M. Khan, Badin, Hyderabad, Naushero Feroze and Dadu districts has been completed.  Survey in other districts is in progress.

Karachi:-                             HADI BUX BURIRO

the 21^st May, 2010.                  Secretary

                                  Provincial Assembly of Sindh.