ACT project in Swat: initiatives for preservation, conservation at archaeological sites undertaken

Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has undertaken initiatives for carrying out preservation, conservation activities at different ancient archaeological sites under ACT-project phase-II in scenic valley of Swat.
The Archaeology Community Tourism (ACT) Field School project Phase-II, funded by Italian Government, a joint venture of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Italian Archaeological Mission, which is main focusing on rehabilitation, preservation, conservation, excavation, restoration, and training by engaging local community of Swat, according to Director Archaeology and Museums, Dr Abdul Samad.
A four-year ago, he informed that ACT-project had launched with assistance of Italian Archaeological Mission in Swat, spearhead by renowned archaeologist and expert, Dr Marie Luca Olveria. He said the Italian Archaeological Mission was initiated from the last several decades, engaging in promotion of archaeological activities in the scenic valley of Swat.
The project, he explained, had supported to carryout restoration, preservation, conservation, and rehabilitation work at archaeological sites, besides conducting awareness and guided tours at these ancient-era ruins and sputa.
Dr Samad said project has been playing vital role for promotion of ancient landscape and Archaeological tourism after post-conflict scenario in Swat. He further elaborated the Swat Museum has recently renovated under the ACT-project, which opened for general public during last year.
Director informed that the ACT-project phase-II, was recently approved by Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in its last meeting in Islamabad, after successful completion of initial phase a year ago, during three-year period. For the project next phase-II, Director said an amount worth of Rs 52.2million has been allocated, he added. "We have been taken steps for effective implementation of ACT-project phase-II, as a number of activities for restoration, preservation and conservation of archaeological sites, are being designed for this purpose, Dr Samad said.
Director furthermore informed that the restoration and rehabilitation will be conducted at Bari Kot (ancient Bazira) and Jehanabad Buddha, along with other ancient archaeological sites in Swat, Besides, he said the ACT project would also facilitate to training local community and promote archaeological tourism with active engagement of community members in picturesque valley of Swat. For this purpose, Dr Samad said special awareness/guided tours at the archaeological sites would be arranged.
Secretary Archaeology, Museums, Tourism, and Youth Affairs, Dr Aftab Khan Durrani, highlighting the significance of the ACT-project, said that it will helpful to promote archaeological tourism and develop a soft-image of the country in rest of the world. He assured the Italian Archaeological Mission for extending every possible support for success of the second ACT-Project-II.