TAXILA, Feb 1: It took 12-year-long litigation to open a new gallery at Taxila Museum, constructed with a sum of Rs5.5 million during the fiscal year 1999-2000, as local court has finally given decision in favour of the department.

The local and foreign tourists visiting Taxila Museum would now be able to see more unique and attractive antiquities discovered from various ancient sites of Gandhara civilization. It would be for the first time since establishment of Taxila Museum in 1928 that visitors would see new display of antiquities here.

According to sources the archeology department had accorded tender to a private firm for construction of the gallery with an aim of establishing as many as twenty-two showcases for harboring over one thousand ancient antiquities. To expand the museum building, enhance capacity for storing relics of time and attract more local and foreign tourists, the department got the gallery constructed. The building was erected in 1999 but the Museum authorities refused to own the building owing to substandard nature of work. Thus, as per law, the department forfeited the security amount of Rs126,000 of the said contractor. That was a reason the gallery was neither decorated with precious BC-era antiquities discovered after 1928 nor was it opened for public.

On the other hand, cracks have started to appear in the walls as well as the floor of the gallery due to alleged use of substandard material in its construction.

Talking to Dawn, curator Taxila Museum Nasir Khan confirmed that the department has given approval of opening of the new gallery. He said more display would fetch more local as well as foreign tourists besides researchers.

When contacted, Mohammad Bahadur Khan, deputy director department of archaeology said a committee would be formed which would select and approve the antiquities from the reserve to be displayed for public. The gallery would be opened soon. Dawn