Pakistan floods: Is history repeating itself at Mohenjo Daro?

Back in 1919-20, R.D Banerji, an Archaeological Survey of India officer, rediscovered the ancient site of Mohenjo Daro, following the finding of a flint scraper. What followed next was years and years of extensive excavations led by prominent archaeologists from world over. Several decades after the initial stage of excavation, archaeologist George F Dales and hydrologist Robert L Raikes proposed a theory which stated that around 1800 BC, Indus must have flooded in a major way and wiped out a majority of the Harappan civilisation.


Mohenjo Daro was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.



We see history, kind of, repeating itself with the recent flood situation in Pakistan due to heavy rainfall. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mohenjo Daro might find itself in a difficult position, post heavy rainfall in the Sindh province.



As per reports, residents of nearby villages have diverted the flood waters from the villages to Mohenjo Daro via outlet pipes and cuts in canals and roads. This has resulted in excessive incoming of water inside the protected site causing threats to the conservation of the historical site. This is an unwanted addition to the already dire situation where heavy and incessant rainfall had caused damages to the site. Several walls at the site saw partial falling. Emergency restoration work has been carried out on those affected sites and the stupa dome.



Some of the worst affected sites at Mohenjo Daro are Paris Stairs, the Stupa and the Dikshit Area (also known as DK Area). The ground flooding and the rain has weakened the already fragile structures at the site. As of now, visitors are not allowed to visit the site.

The big question remains: are we about to lose an incredible piece of mankind’s history, again?

1. Where is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mohenjo Daro?
   Mohenjo Daro is located in Sindh province of Pakistan.
2. When did Mohenjo Daro get UNESCO World Heritage Site status?
   Mohenjo Daro was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
3. Are people to visit Mohenjo Daro?
   Due to the recent heavy rainfall and flood in Pakistan, the site of Mohenjo Daro is temporarily closed.