Rs200m set aside for Derawar Fort repair, model village.

BAHAWALPUR -- A sum of about Rs200 million will be utilised for the renovation of historic Derawar Fort in Cholistan and the development of a model village in the desert.

This was stated by Bahawalpur Deputy Commissioner Zahid Parvaiz Warriach while chairing a meeting of the steering committee on projects of Cholistan here on Thursday.

According to the DC, under the proposed plan, beautiful, traditional old style tuff tiles would be installed at the fort building and grassy plots leading towards the old structure.

In the briefing given to the committee members by the officials of the planning division, it was informed that 10 new Cholistani houses to be called 'Gopas' in the local Seraiki language would be built to beautify the desert atmosphere for foreigners for overnight stay, if they desired so during their visit in winter season and on the occasions of festivals, including that of the jeep rally event.

Cultural and well-designed entrance gates would be constructed for the model village. In addition, as many as 26 shops of handicrafts, cottage industries along with a working women hall would be constructed there to display the local industrial parts for the attraction of foreigners and also provide the opportunities of livelihood to local women artists and artisans.

The planners have also designed an underground water tank and public toilets for the general public, tourists and visitors.

According to Bahawalpur archaeology department SDO Sajjad Hussain, the administrative staff accompanied by the respective officials paid a...