LAHORE: The main gate of Shahi Qila (Fort of Lahore), the Alamgiri Gate has collapsed because of heavy rains in the city.

The entrance gate and other doors of Lahore Fort were already in shabby condition. The accumulation of water coupled with unceasing heavy rains did the rest of the job taking down the heavy gate and one side gate as well.

Massive rains battered Lahore for daylong on Tuesday and accumulated rainwater all over the metropolis. The life came to a standstill. Electricity supply to most of the areas was suspended. A minor girl passed away and 113 people received injuries in different rain-related incidents.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization had in 1981 declared the Lahore Fort a heritage site. After witnessing several rises and falls, the fort along with Badshahi Mosque was lastly built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir. The citadel cherishes thousands of paintings of Mughal era etched on large walls inside it. It is an example of the era when Mughal artistry was at its zenith.

The government needs to look into the matter and re-erect the gates and renovate the entire citadel.