International Campaign for the Safeguarding of...

Distribution: limited UNESCO/MOE/EX-XIWFR Res Paris, 1997 Original: English

UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

International Campaign for the Safeguarding of MOENJODARO

RESOLUTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Thirteenth Session

Islamabad, 13, 16 and 17 September 1997

RESOLUTION I

The Executive Committee,

the Having examined the reports of the Government of Pakistan, the Secretariat of UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization -, and the International Consultative Committee for the International Safeguarding Campaign for Moenjodaro (sixteenth session) submitted to the Executive Committee (documents UNESCO/MOE/EX-XIII/2, 3 and 4);

Taking special note of the recommendations adopted by the International Consultative Committee (ICC) at its seventeenth session in Islamabad lo-12 September 1997 (documents UNESCOMOEEX-XII1/4(2) Final Rec.);

Having noted the statements made by the representative of the Government of Pakistan, the representative of the UNESCO Director-General, and the comments made by members and observers of the Committee, international experts and representatives from international organizations;

Expresses its great satisfaction at the completion of the International Safeguarding Campaign for Moenjodaro, a monument which is inscribed on the World Heritage List;

Congratulates the Government and people of Pakistan, the members of the International Consultative Committee, the Director-mm of the project for the safeguarding of Moenjodaro, all the experts, the professional staff and the skilled and unskilled workers, for their dedication and deep commitment to conserve this landmark of history;

Commends the Director-General of UNESCO, its Secretariat and the secretary to the Executive Committee for Moenjodaro for this achievement in the pursuit of one of the fundamental aims of the Organization, namely the preservation of tl ie cultural heritage of humankind;

Applauds the concern, the solidarity, and the active co-operation demonstrated by the international community in providing talents, expex tise and resources to save Moenjodaro from natural and human-made hazards;

Requests the Director-General of UNESCO to convey its profound gratitude to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of the Campaign, notably HIH Prince Mikasa, Chair of the Honorary Committee, donor countries (USA, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, India, Egypt, Australia, Oman, France, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Nigeria, Greece, Chile, Indonesia, Qatar, Turkey, Bahrain Mauritius, Tanzania, Thailand, and Malta), the United Nations system (notably UNDP), intergovernmental organizations (ICCROM) and international and national non-governmental organizations and institutions (ICOM, ICOMOS, Aachen Municipality, ACCU, Rotary Club and others), media (eg. BBC World Service and NHK International, etc.), public and private bodies (eg., Kyocera Ltd. and Deutsche Bank, etc.), associations and individuals.

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RESOLUTION II


Having examined the section of the report submitted by the Secretariat of UNESCO relating to the financial situation of the International Trust Fund for Moenjodaro and the report of the Government of Pakistan (documents UNESCO/MOE/EX-XIII/2 and 3);

Having noted the statements made by the representative of the Government of Pakistan and by the representative of the Director-General of UNESCO;

Considering the recommendations made by the Bureau of the Executive Committee held in Islamabad on 16 September 1997;

Recommends to the Director-General of UNESCO to arrange, within the available resources of the International Trust Fund for Moenjodaro, the appropriate provision of technical assistance and training of personnel if so required by the Government, and of equipment and materials required for the maintenance of Moenjodaro, by the Moenjodaro Conservation Cell and the Laboratory of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, on the basis of a list giving detailed specifications, quantities and order of priority, to be presented by the Government of Pakistan;

Recommends further that, in conformity with the financial regulations governing the operations of the International Trust Fund for Moenjodaro, the financial statements together with the report of the External Auditor be submitted to the General Conference in the same manner as the accounts of the Organization, and that the Director-General decide upon closure of the Fund when the amount available has been fully utilized.

RESOLUTION III


Considering, that it will be suitable to ensure continuous flow of desired funds for the future preservation and presentation of Moenjodaro, without harmful interruption;

Recommends that the Government of Pakistan consider that the unspent balance of Rupees 75 million lying with the Authority for the Preservation of Moenjodaro and which is to be transferred to the Ministry of Culture / Department of Archaeology and Museums, as per the decision of the Government of Pakistan and as per recommendation of the ICC, should be invested into a bank or national saving scheme. The sum of US $425,123 presently lying with the Ministry of Culture may similarly be invested and the interest accrued thereon may on& be utilized for the purpose of preservation and presentation of Moenjodaro. It will be desirable that the seed money is in no way touched or spent on any other unrelated work.

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RESOLUTION IV


Having further examined the section of the report submitted by the UNESCO Secretariat concerning the 1996 Revised Master Plan for Moenjodaro and the report of the Government of Pakistan (documents UNESCO/MOE/EX-XIII/2 and 3);

Havine also noted the ICC Recommendations from Section I, Management, Organization and Administration of Moenjodaro;

Having further noted the statements made by the representative of the Government of Pakistan and by the representative of the UNESCO Director-General;

Considering that the recommendation made in the Plan complies with the Campaign Strategy adopted by the UNESCO General Conference at the twenty-fourth session in 1987 and the Operational Guidelines of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Convention;

Recommends that the Government of Pakistan consider following the principle of the Plan and its Action Plan for 1997-2000;

Urges that, as described in Section I of the Recommendations of the Seventeenth International Consultative Committee meetings, “. a new permanent management structure be established and, that this new structure include an interministerial Board of Managers under the patronage of the President of Pakistan and may include the Governor of Sind, Ministers of Culture and Tourism, Finance, Education, Public Works, Transport and L4viation, the Director-General of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, and the Chairman of the Indus River Commission, the Irrigation and Power Department and other National or Provincial Organizations and Departments as deemed appropriate”, and that this permanent structure be established as soon as possible;

Recommends &Q that to ensure the effective co-ordination of all actions related to the proposed Moenjodaro Archaeological Park and the surrounding development zone, in line with the management of the archaeological resources that should be based on the principles of conservation, the Board of Managers appoint an Advisory Committee of national and international professional members to provide relevant expertise, similar to the present International Consultative Committee and other experts, at UNESCO expense within available resources.

RESOLUTION V


Inspired by the si,ticant speech of H.E. the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and;

Recoding the need of collating the vast research material and knowledge available in the world on the social and cultural aspects of Moenjodaroand other relatable contemporary civilizations;

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Noting the urgent need for establishing a center of research and study at Moenjodaro;

Pronoses that the nucleus of such a center may be created at the site of Moenjodaro at the earliest opportunity, with international collaboration.

RESOLUTION VI


Considering that it was created, in accordance with the Agreement CL/2746 reached between UNESCO and donor countries on 19 November 1980, to advise the Director-General on all matters concerning the International Safeguarding Campaign for Moenjodaro;

Having been satisfied that the main aims of the Campaign have been achieved;

Gratefullv acknowledges the co-operation and assistance extended by the Director-General to the Committee in the performance of its functions;

Recommends that the Director-General declare the mandate of the Committee fulfilled

Annex 1

UNESCO/MO/EX-XIII/IN.2 ; 26 September 1997

UNITED NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

ORGANISATION DES NATIONS UNIES POUR L’EDUCATION, LA SCIENCE ET LA CULTURE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE SAFEGUARDING OF MOENJODARO

Thirteenth session

Islamabad, 13, 16 and 17 September 1997

COMITE EXECUTIF POUR LA SAUVEGARDE DE MOENJODARO

Trek&me session

Islarnabad, 13, 16 et 17 septembre 1997

LIST OF PARTICIPANI’S

LISTE DES PARTICIPANTS

I. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE I. MEMBRES DU COMITE

EGYPT/EGYPTE

Dr Mohamed NOMAN GALAL Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan

FRANCE/FRANCE

Mr Gerard SAMPRANA Charge d’affaires Ambassade de France au Pakistan

Mr Jean-Marie PUGET Attache culture1 Ambassade de France au Pakistan

M. Patrick DESSEIX Conseiller culturel, scientifique et de cooperation Ambassade de France au Pakistan

GERMANY/ALLEMAGNE

Mr Matthias KIESLER Head of Press and Cultural Sections Embassy of Germany in Pakistan

INDIA/INDE

Mr -4jai Krishna SHANKAR Director-General Archaeological Survey of India Additional Secretary Government of India

JAPAN

Mr Hiroyasu KOBAYASHI Minister Charge d’affaires Embassy of Japan in Pakistan

Mr Kinzo NAKAGUN First Secretary Embassy of Japan in Pakistan

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Mr Adnan QAISER Adviser Information and Culture Embassy of Japan in Pakistan

PAKISTAN

Dr Akhtar HASAN KHAN Secretary Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs

Justice Abdul KADIR SHAIKH Vice-Chairman Authority for the Preservation of Moenjodaro

Mr Safdar HUSSAIN KHAN Joint Secretary (Culture)

Mr Niaz RASOOL Director-General Department of Archaeology and Museums

Mr R.A. SHAMS1 Consultant Authority for the Preservation of Moenjodaro

SAUDI ARABWARABIE SAOUDITE

Dr Abdulaziz S. BIN SALAMAH Ambassador Permanent Delegate of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO

It. OBSERVERS (Governments) It. OBSERVATEURS (Gouvernements)

GREECE/GRECE

Mr Panayotis CANGELARIS Charge d’affaires a.i. Embassy of Greece in Pakistan

JORDAN/JORDANIE

Mr Faour Ibrahim AL-FAOURI Cultural Councellor Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Pakistan

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MAURITIUS/MAURICE

Mr Devjanlall SEETAHUL Deputy Head of Mission and Head of the Chancery First Secretary, Mauritius High Commission Islamabad

III. OTHER OBSERVERS III. AUTRES OBSERVATEURS

UNDP/PNUD

Mr J.K. Robert ENGLAND UNDP Resident Representative in Pakistan

Mr Samina KAMAL Project Officer

ICCROM

Mr Marc LAENEN Director-General

ICOM

Dr Saraj GHOSE President

1COMOS

Dr Roland SILVA President

Mr Fernando PINTO ICOMOS Earthen Structures President

IFLA

Mr George L. ANAGNOSTOPOULOS Past President

AACHEN Municipalityhkmicipalite d’Aix-la-Chapelle

Mr Herbert ZANTIS

ACCU (Asia/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO)

Ms Tomoko SHIBAO Director Cultural Affairs Division

JAPAN-PAKISTAN Friendship Association

Mr Hideaki SHSJDAI

Dr MichaeL JANSEN ICC Member Project Director, German Research Project “Moenjodaro” Aachen University

Mr Paul PERROT ICC Member

Dr Sadatoshi TABATA ICC Member

Mr Frank BRISCOE UNESCO Consultant

Mr Sohiko YAMADA UNESCO Consultant

Prof. Masatoshi KONISHl Archaeologist

IV. UNESCO SECFtETAFU4T IV. SECRETARIAT DE L’UNESCO

Mr Mounir BOUCHENAKI Director, Division of Cultural Heritage

Mr Hideo NOGUCHl Chief of the Operational Section for Asia/Pacific Division of Cultural Heritage

Mrs Anne-Chantal LAMPE Division of Cultural Heritage

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hex 2

UNESCO/MO/EX-XIII/4 (2) Final Rec.

UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC

AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

RECOMMEMDATIONS ADOPTED BY

THE 17TH SESSION OF

THE INTERNATIONAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

(Moenjodaro and Islamabad, 9 - 12 September 1997)

I. Management, Organization and Administration of Moenjodaro

The International Consultative Committee,

Having accepted the recommendation in the Proposed Revised Master Plan of 1996 relating to the creation of the Moenjodaro National Archaeological Park and,

Recognizing the uniqueness of Moenjodaro, inscribed on the World Heritage List as the craddle of civilization in South Asia and,

Considering that the great complexity of the archaeological remains and the impact of a naturally hostile environment require a governance at the highest level possible and,

Considering further that the International Safeguarding Campaign is now completed and that, as a consequence, a new management structure is considered necessary, the Committee

Recommends that a new permanent management structure be established and, that this new structure include an interministerial Board of Managers under the patronage of the President of Pakistan and may include the Governor of Sind, Ministers of Culture and Tourism, Finance, Education, Public Works, Transport and Aviation, the Director-General of the Department of Archaeolo,T and Museums, and the Chairmen of the Indus River Commission, the Irrigation and Power Department and other National or Provincial Organizations and Departments as deemed appropriate.

It is further strongly recommended that the Board include at least two representatives of the private sector. In addition the Board of Managers will appoint a Advisory Committee of at least five national and international professional members to provide relevant expertise. These are essentially intended to provide the type of expertise that is available through the present International Consultative Committee and other experts.

The Board will have full responsibility for the physical, financial and diplomatic activities (including liaison with UNESCO and other international organizations) relating to all aspects of the archaeological site as currently constituted and its environment. It will be responsible for monitoring the excavated and unexcavated areas around the site and be especially sensitive to developments affecting the natural, built and human environment of the immediately surrounding region. The Board will be empowered to establish foundations required to carry out its purposes, to encourage contributions and will seek to provide incentives towards such contributions. The total revenue generated at the site or park will be allocated to its support. In addition to other requirements that it may have, the Board will obtain the services of a professional in fund-raising, promotion and communication, on a contractual basis.

The Executive Agency of the Board will be the Department of Archaeology and Museums whose Director-General, will be its secretary and responsible to the Board on all matters.

Subject to approval of the Board, the Director-General will nominate a fully experienced professional officer to whom full responsibility and power will be delegated regarding the day-to-day operations of all aspects of the site, including coordination of all external governmental and private bodies. He/she will be the Site Director.

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The Director-General of the Department of Archaeology and Museums will allocate a permanent line item in his/her Department’s budget to cover all aspects of Moenjodaro’s regular administrative preservation, interpretation and exploration activities, including all necessary utilities and contract services.

To assist the site Director in his/her task, he/she will be provided with such expert personnel as necessary including archaeologists, architectural conservators and allied conservation scientists, engineers, a senior administrator, a finance manager, and such personnel as may be required either permanently or on a temporary basis. Such personnel will be provided with sufficient professional support staff and scientific resources.

The site Director should be permanently stationed at Moenjodaro and all personnel shall be provided with hardship allowances and education and health care of their families stationed in Moenjodaro will be facilitated. Special attention will be given to housing requirements.

II. The Moenjodaro Conservation Cell


Considering the contributions made by the Moenjodaro Conservation Cell and recognizing the continuing need for upgrading the skills of personnel, the Committee,

Stronelv recommends that every effort be made to build on that highly successful prototype programme funded by UNDP and others, seek to maintain it on a permanent basis and to extend its capabilities through cooperative efforts with universities and other relevant institutions. In this regard, the available faculty resources of the universities of Pakistan, covering the disciplines of archaeology, architecture, and civil engineering should be drawn upon for field application. This should serve not only Moenjodaro but many of the country’s other important archaeological sites. It is further recommended that staffrecruited for the Moenjodaro project be encouraged and assisted to upgrade their knowledge through contractual agreements with other institutions in order that the science of a.rchaeolo,y and conservation, at Moenjodaro and elsewhere, be enhanced to international standards. Such trained personnel should be compensated at a level commensurate with their experience and be in line with national standards. Every opportunity should be taken to enhance the level of training at the highest level of research in appropriate institutions in Pakistan and abroad. Wherever appropriate, University Departments of archaeology, architecture and civil engineering and related organizations in the private sector, and professional organizations, should be invited to participate in research programmes sponsored by the Moenjodaro National Archaeological Park.

HI. Recommendations for Conservation Works

As the World Heritage Site of Moenjodaro is a unique monument and a primary source of historical and cultural information, it deserves extraordinary care and keen vigilance. With this in view, the following observations and recommendations are submitted.

A. Characterization of Damages and Their Causes

The International Consultative Committee

Considering the extensive investigations that have been carried out since the first International Consultative Committee meeting in 1976,

Recognizing the conservation work carried out since then,

Annreciating the necessity of proceeding along the broad guidelines as necessarily amended since the first Master Plan, the Committee

Recormizes that the following types of damage seem consistent to the brick masonry at Moenjodaro, namely:

a) material decay, consisting of spalling, crumbling and powdering, which is the result of hydration/dehydration of salts on the surfaces of structures below circa 32 degrees Centigrade due to the conversion of the sodium sulphate mineral phases thenardite/mirabilite. The weathering and erosion of mortar, mud bricks, and soil occurs primarily due to the action of wind and water which is also involved in the above-mentioned hydration/dehydration process. The sources of water which may result in material decay are groundwater, rain, and atmospheric moisture; and

b) structural distress such as walls leaning out of plumb, wall sections settling within the wall plane, and in rare cases, fractures in structures, can be attributed to the extremes of thermal stress, absence of roofs, material decay at lower levels of such exposed walls, the thrust exerted by archaeological fill which is still in situ in some structures, stagnant water, washing away of foundations by rain run-off and the uneven settlement of structures.

B. Treatment Methods

The International Consultative Committee

Recognizing the causes of decay, recommends the treatment methods listed below, while bearing in mind present economical and ecological constraints. In addition, the conservation of the built-up structures requires revision in accordance with internationally accepted standards, such as the Venice Charter of 1964 and other charters initiated by 1COMOS and endorsed by UNESCO, which underline the need for reversibility in conservation practice as a matter of primary concern. The re-implementation of traditional methods, such as mud capping and surface coverings with mud slurry, have given favorable results in minimizing the destructive processes affecting the surfaces of such structures. However, the effectiveness of these surface coverings depends on the complete coating of exposed structures.

The most effective method at present is the covering of wall surfaces with a thin film of mud slurry, which might be tempered according to experimentation on a variety of surfaces and orientations. At the same time, the ancient brick structures need to be covered with a sacrificial layer at the primary place of destruction, and this point of damage is moved from the ancient brick surface to the modem mud coating. As the modem mud surface is easily replaceable, the destruction is thereby, controllable. This method also provides protection of the surface from the dynamics of capillary attraction.

For these methods to provide proper protection, the regular monitoring and maintenance of the surface is a precondition. Ifnecessary, the work must be renewed by the beginning of the season of salt attack, which generally occurs in November. Before this method is implemented, a repointing programme using mud mortar should be carried out with the joints slightly recessed. Simultaneously with the slurry

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application, the mud capping program should be continued, and should be checked and renewed, if necessary, before each rainy season. The use of mud plaster reinforced with straw and other organic material, introduced on an experimental basis over the past several years requires careful review, and should be discontinued when found to be unsatisfactory.

Damp-proof courses @PCs) should be used only in exceptional cases, when it is absolutely necessary, and should be preceded by appropriate studies and documentation. Special monitoring and maintenance attention should be paid to areas of walls beneath DPCs where these have been previously inserted. Here, protective mud coatings may have to be frequently renewed. Where underpinning is necessary, it should be carried out following the details of the original bonding and external appearance. In particular urgent cases and for the safety of structural remains, it may be desirable to excavate on one side of walls which are unevenly loaded by earth fill. In such cases, the excavation should be carried out by experienced field archaeologists and carefully documented.

In special cases, such as the east-west walls leaning towards the north, special interventions may be necessary. Although the phenomenon of such leaning is not completely understood, it seems that the southern sides of such walls are subject to thermal stresses. To prevent the collapse of those walls, the recent practice has been the construction of masonry buttresses. A new method has been introduced by the Department of Archaeology and Museums using steel structures, which the Committee finds acceptable both aesthetically and mechanically for supporting original walls. With the incorporation of a screw-jack at the base of the supports and with adequate treatment of the southern side, the walls may be re-positioned to the vertical if the device is properly and patiently operated, in the wet season and by moistening of the walls. For reconstructed walls, rebuilding according to available documentation of the original pattern may be the most desirable solution.

Severely-eroded bricks in original walls may be replaced with bricks of identical character, especially in strength. Where such bricks are used, they should be marked to differentiate them from ancient material? and the positions of the bricks should be carefully documented. Endangered special features such as brick floors, chutes, ceramic drain pipes, etc., should be safeguarded until appropriate techniques are devised for their proper handling and preservation. In addition, the recent Stupa conservation treatment requires further monitoring, and special structures such as the Great Bath need detailed investigations and, if necessary, treatment prescribed by experts.

C. Drainage of Rainwater


Recognizing that rainwater is one of the major agents of destruction, and can damage structures in three ways, namely: direct rain damage; standing rainwater, and flowing water. While direct rain damage may be prevented by measures mentioned above, the prevention of damage by standing and moving rainwater requires additional protection. Standing water weakens structures through saturation and slumping at the wall base, and can result in the settlement and eventual collapse of a wall. While in smaller, enclosed areas the water may soak away, larger areas may require planned drainage. A precondition is to provide a surface capable of draining the rainwater with an appropriate gradient. Surfaces suitable for draining rain run-off are mud brick and pure clay, placed at a gradient between 1:400 and 1:200. Drainage implementation should be based on a comprehensive consideration of the drainage paths and those selected should be sympathetic to the archaeological remains.

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D. Treatment of Surfaces


Recormizes that earth surfaces with a sharp gradient need to be stabilized. Such surfaces may continue to be covered with mud bricks after careful study and recording. The use of a geotextile membrane may be considered for installation beneath the mudbricks for purposes of identifying modern surfaces and preventing erosion of the prepared surface as well.

E. Monitoring and Documentation


Emphasizes that all conservation actions must be documented and monitored and the records properly archived. In order to facilitate the provision of documentation and archiving, appropriate facilities should continue to be developed at the site.

F. Infrastructure for Conservation Programmes


Urges that the provision of infrastructure for the conservation programmes be implemented. Accordingly, at least three sources of sweet water within the archaeological reserve are necessary, as well as the supply of sweet earth. Conservation equipment, such as grouting and spraying machines, dump trucks, a jeep, etc., are required as minimum provisions. With regard to services, the regular availability of manpower at the site is essential.

G. Budget


Recognizes the need for regular resources, on a regular basis to cover the running costs of the site, these have to be provided through definitive line item in the Department of Archaeology and Museum’s annual budget. The financial resources thus made available should provide for local as well as foreign exchange.

H. Damage Due to Human and Animal Action


Recoenizing that the delicate nature of the site and the ancient brick structures requires adequate protection against human and animal damage, recommends properly-positioned gates and fences be provided with a view to protecting the site fi-om roaming animals. Proper signs should be placed at the entrances to the site and other locations as necessary to remind visitors to stay on established paths, and not to walk on the fragile archaeological remains.

I. Maintenance


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Emnhasizes the need for proper maintenance at the site, in accordance with the Manual for the Conservation and Maintenance for Moenjodaro.

J. Continued Exchange of Technical Information


Recoanizing the need for continuing national and international programmes covering research on brick structures, with special reference to Moenjodaro, and as a regular feature to educate the staff, recommends that the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee for the Study and the Conservation of Earthen Architecture be invited to organize an international seminar in late 1998. It is also suggested that the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Architectural Structures be invited to arrange a workshop at Moenjodaro. Additionally, it is recommended that the present system of international expert meetings, through site visits and technical workshops, be continued on an annual or bi-annual basis. At the same time, technical staff should be assisted to visit sites with similar archaeological materials and be encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to study through attendance at short conservation programmes offered abroad.

IV. Ground Water Control

The International Consultative Committee.

Noting that at the time of excavations in Moenjodaro, the ground water level was at around 20 ft. below the surface but that over the years it rose to a level of about 5ft. due to the extensive irrigation network stemming from the Sukkur Barrage and that the Committee recognized this endangered the structures of Moenjodaro and therefore approved a plan to install 27 tube-wells surrounding the excavated area; and

Recognizing now that the critical water table level to be maintained has been identified at 15 fi below the average surface, which is estimated to be the lowest occupation level of the site; and

Considering current economic constraints and ecological implications,

The Committee recommends that the procedures presently in place be given a careful appraisal, especially in order to identify the depth of the natural ground water table. A consequence of making such studies is the closing of the tubewells for a period of twelve months, with a three month preparatory period to allow for the water table to stabilize to its natural setting.

The Committee further recommends that during this period, extensive data be collected from the piezometers already installed in different locations, that the soil and the structures themselves be analyzed, and that data be collated from the automatic weather station. Such studies should supply further information regarding the relationship between the water table and humidity migration in the soil and in the structures. At the completion of these studies, a decision can be taken whether the pumping should be resumed and if so, on what scale.

Finally. the Committee recommends that the scientific personnel who will undertake these studies be carefully trained and be afforded all necessary assistance in equipment and other required support.

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V. River Training Work

The International Consultative Committee, . .

Having been informed that the representatives of the Provincial Department of Irrigation could not attend the meeting due to the high flood condition of the Indus, reviewed the situation in the light of their earlier recommendations and their visit to Moenjodaro on September 9. The Committee reaffirmed the following observations which essentially were contained in its sixteenth meeting.

- The mud embankment surrounding the site should continue to be strengthened under the supervision of an archaeologist.

- Special attention should be paid to the piping problem which is common in many mud-bunds and which can result in a severe weakening of their structure.

- Appropriate field data should be assembled in order to carry out earlier recommendations relating to the complete riveting of the existing bund between mile point 16/7 to 17/5 including necessary work on the apron. This work is considered a high priority.

- A new satellite survey should be done in order to assess the need of the sixth and seventh spurs. Financial support for this work might be solicited through UNESCO from the Netherlands.

VI. Ecological and Landscape Considerations


Reaffirms its earlier recommendations concerning the need to provide planting and landscaping consisting of vegetation indigenous to the region and, whenever possible through pollen analysis to identify the species that grew in the area during the historical period and especially those species that are salt tolerant and that would serve as wind breakers to mitigate the effects of air borne salts and sand storms;

The Committee further reaffirms that no planting should be made on the archaeological remains and that only shallow rooted plants be used in those areas that may contain as yet unexcavated remains. Furthermore, every effort should be made to provide within the site amenities such as benches and shaded areas which, in no case, should be located either on or near archaeological remains.

VII. Revised Master Plan for Moenjodaro


Considering the critical contributions made by the 1972 Master Plan and building upon the experience gathered during the intervening years;

Recommends that the proposed Revised Master Plan., together with its Action Plan for 1997-2000, be the basis for the continuation of the work remaining after the completion of the International

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Safeguarding Campaign. In this regard, particular attention should be given to infrastructure developments, such as the proposed extension of the airport, the construction of roads and other factors which undoubtedly would have adverse effects on the character of the Moenjodaro National Archaeological Park and its fragile monuments; the Committee

Recognizing: further that the Archaeological Park can significantly enhance the physical and cultural well-being of the residents of the areas and the need to revitalize their cultural traditions in harmony with 2 1 st century needs;

Strongly recommends the creation of a development zone surrounding the Archaeological Park that should provide in the future much needed facilities to service local citizens and foreign visitors. Any land use changes will not be inappropriate to the historic character of the area and any construction in this zone should be sympathetic in character, scale, building materials and location to the archaeological monuments. It is further proposed that a buffer zone of adequate width be created immediately circumscribing the archaeological park and that it be appropriately planted with trees, bushes and other plants indigeneous to the region and selected on the basis of ecological and historical considerations.

It is also recommended that a Research Area of much larger dimensions, covering the irrigated ground to the south-west and the north-east be designated as a regulated, restricted area, while recognizing the needs and rights of the residents.

VIII. Property and Fiscal Transfers


Recommends that all intellectual property, physical and financial assets and obligations, including current contractual agreements, held by the Authority for the Preservation of Moenjodaro, be transferred intact, to the Federal Ministry of Culture/Department of Archaeology and Museums. The balance of foreign and local contributions be transferred in the same currency as these were received, in order that the completion of on-going programmes not be subject to any interruption, and also for the future programmes for the preservation and safeguarding of Moenjodaro.

Ix. Other

The Intenational Consultative Committee,

Considering that this 17th meeting is their last, the Members of the International Consultative Committee unanimously express to the Government of Pakistan, especially the Ministry of Culture, Tourism Sport and Youth AfZairs, the Authority for the Preservation of Moenjodaro (APM) and the Department of Archaeology and Museums, their admiration for the work that has been done towards the preservation of Moenjodaro. The commitment of the personnel of the APM most especially, Justice Abdul Kadii Shaikh, its presiding Chairman whose dedication, wisdom and good humour have over the years been so effective in bringing the project to this important junction has ably set the foundation for the next stage in the preservation of this unique World Heritage monument.

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The Committee wishes to recoanize, as well the contribution of the late Mr Abdul Hamid Memon and the continued effective direction of Mr R.A. Shamsi and the resident staff of the Authority both in Moenjodaro and Karachi as well as the contributions made by the Board of Governors of APM, those departed and present members of the Moenjodaro Conservation Cell (MCC). In expressing their heartiest good wishes to the succeeding organization, the Members of the Committee unanimously express their gratitude for the enriching privilege they were given in playing a part in the Moenjodaro International Safeguarding Campaign.

Finally. the Committee wishes to express its gratitude for the continuous support it received from UNESCO, its Member States, UNDP/JTF and other international Governmental and Non- Governmental Organizations.

X. The International Consultative Committee and the Transition Period


Recognizing that the Committee has been of continuing and valuable support to the International Campaign for the Safeguarding of Moenjodaro and that the expertise of its Members should not be lost in the transition period,

Recommends that the current organization with the support of UNESCO and the cooperation of the Government of Pakistan continue until a successor organization has been nominated by the proposed Board.

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