Mansehra: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to launch an anti-encroachment drive in the Kaghan Valley in the coming days in order to attract national and international tourists, according to news sources.
According to Deputy Commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan, the anti-encroachment drive has been planned from Kaghan to Naran. All structures along the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad route will be demolished. The deputy commissioner told the reporters that the National Highway Authority (NHA), tehsil and district administrations, police, and the WAPDA will all be involved in the anti-encroachment drive.
He further stated that the route from New Balakot to Kaghan Valley will cost PKR 850 million to build. The Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Qasim Ali Khan, also stated that the cabins, hotels, and other commercial and non-commercial structures from Saiful Muluk lake will be removed in order to preserve the lake’s environment.
In another development, Hazara Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud in a review meeting ordered Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) to make Kaghan and Naran valleys more attractive for tourists. The commissioner instructed the authorities to complete the projects on time.
Several projects were discussed during the meeting, including the Batakundi Lalazar chairlift and a 7-km long pony track. The commissioner has also ordered the deputy commissioner of Mansehra to keep a watch on the area’s short- and long-term activities.
Furthermore, the KDA Director General shared the progress of efforts, including the removal of encroachment and unlawful building along N15 and river bed, steps taken to prevent littering by restaurants and hotels near Kunhar River, and the protection of National Parks.
Aside from that, the director general provided information on traffic and parking management, as well as the renovation of the Karakoram Highway and N-15 roads.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
