Fragile Mohenjo Daro threatened by festival plans

Dating back at least 5,000 years, Mohenjo Daro, which is located in what is now Pakistan, is the world’s only surviving Bronze Age metropolis and is considered to be the most important site of the Indus Valley civilisation. However, for some time now it has been known that this incredible ancient record is under serious threat and is in danger of disappearing into the pages of history, a victim of government neglect, lack of funding, public indifference and environmental degradation. To make matters worse, this UNESCO World Heritage listed site is about to become the venue for the Sindh Festival opening ceremony and work is currently underway to construct stages and equipment within and around the ancient city.

A group of conservationists in Pakistan made up of scholars and archaeologists believe that the construction work needed for the event will irreparably damage the ruins of Mohenjo Daro and are appealing to UNESCO to step in to stop the cultural event taking place at the 5,000-year-old site.