Is it obligatory for those residing in Ma'rib to leave it, and what are the boundaries of the place of punishment within it, especially given its large administrative borders?

The current administrative boundaries of Ma'rib Governorate do not all apply to the place of punishment. Rather, the intended place is the location of the dam and the flood that destroyed their gardens. Precisely defining its boundaries is difficult. The Council of Senior Scholars investigated the ruling on revitalizing the dwellings of Thamud but was unable to accurately define the boundaries despite consulting experts and maps. They decided to prohibit revitalization and habitation in areas containing relics such as mountains and plains, Thamudic wells, and the wadi's course and bed. The majority permitted the revitalization and habitation of other areas, as the the original principle concerning things is permissibility. There have been previous warnings against dwelling in the lands of those who were punished, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade entering upon the punished ones except while weeping, which indicates that their dwellings should not be taken as residences or homelands. The place of punishment in Ma'rib has been uninhabited since ancient times and is one of the tourist attractions.