Locals object to leasing of minerals in Golen valley

CHITRAL: People of Golen valley in Lower Chitral have raised objections to issuance of leases for exploration of mineral resources and permission to outsiders for grazing goats in the area.

The objections and complaints were raised by the locals during an open forum conducted by Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq.

The locals said Golen valley had been declared by the government as a community game reserve in 1998 but the issuance of leases for minerals and allowing outsiders to graze goats in the area were beyond their comprehension.

Overgrazing in mountains has already led to an increase in natural disasters such as flooding in the valley, they added.

The residents also lodged complaints regarding different issues related to communication and works department, agriculture, water supply, electricity supply, fisheries, TMA and utility stores.  

 Speaking on the occasion, DC Anwrul Haq said efforts would be made to resolve the issues of the area on a priority basis. He said Golen valley was not only a popular tourist spot near Chitral town but also rich in mineral and water resources. 

He said the government had directed to resolve issues of the citizens at their doorsteps and also formulated a policy in this regard.

The DC directed heads of different departments to resolve matters highlighted by the area people, adding other issues would be taken up with the departments concerned for their resolution.

District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Fayyaz Rumi, Director Fisheries Shakil Ahmed and Asssitant Director Local Government Jawad Khan were present on the occasion.–Bashir Hussain Azad,