Editing Lothal (section)

==Excavated Lothal==
[[File:Lothal - water well.jpg|thumb|The main well]]
On plan, Lothal stands {{convert|285|m|ft|abbr=off}} north-to-south and {{convert|228|m|ft|abbr=off}} east-to-west. At the height of its habitation, it covered a wider area since remains have been found {{convert|300|m|ft|abbr=off}} south of the mound. Due to the fragile nature of unbaked bricks and frequent floods, the superstructures of all buildings have receded. However, the dwarfed walls, platforms, two wells, drains, and paved bathing platforms are visible.<ref name="RaoY"/> The dock walls were also preserved beyond the great deluge (c.1900 BCE) due to the loam that was deposited by persistent floods. Erosion and brick robbery are responsible for the absence of high standing walls as well as the ancient [[nullah]], inlet channel, and riverbed. The flood-damaged peripheral wall of mud-bricks is visible near the warehouse area. The remnants of the north–south sewer are burnt bricks in the cesspool. Cubical blocks of the warehouse on a high platform are also visible.<ref name="RaoY">{{cite book
| title = Lothal
| publisher = [[Archaeological Survey of India]]
| author = S. R. Rao
| author-link = S. R. Rao
| pages = 11–17
| year = 1985
}}</ref>

The ASI has covered the peripheral walls, the wharf, and many houses of the early phase with earth to protect from natural phenomena, but the entire archaeological site is nevertheless facing grave concerns about necessary preservation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ancient Lothal crumbling under modern neglect|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19981214/34851124.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030919082503/http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19981214/34851124.html|archive-date=19 September 2003|newspaper=Indian Express|date=14 December 1998|location=India}}</ref> [[Salinity]] ingress and prolonged exposure to the rain and sun are gradually eating away the remains of the site. Heavy rain in the region has damaged the remains of the sun-dried mud brick constructions. Stagnant rain water has lathered the brick and mud work with layers of moss. Due to [[silt]]ation, the dockyard's draft has been reduced by {{convert|3|–|4|m|ft}} and saline deposits are decaying the bricks. Officials blame the salinity on [[capillary action]] and point out that cracks are emerging and foundations weakening even as restoration work slowly progresses.<ref name="IE">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/india-news/ie20010820/top7.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090227003900/http://www.indianexpress.com/india-news/ie20010820/top7.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 February 2009 |title=Harappan mound needs the kiss of life |work=The [[Indian Express]] |author=Janyala Sreenivas |access-date=27 October 2006 }}</ref>