Gul Hamad Farooqi
CHITRAL: The recent heavy snowfall broke all previous known records of inclement weather in Chitral.
In Kalash valleys, Bumburate, Sheikhandeh and other villages are still buried under up to five feet of snow. Roads were closed for all types of traffic, supply of electricity from a private power house remained suspended and the only mobile phone service not working. Life is totally paralyzed.
Qazi Zur Kalash says the snow has not only blocked the roads but also communication with people in and outside Chitral is suspended for over a week now.
The locals said they were thankful to a physician and social worker, Dr. Mohammad Adnan Bhutta, who helps them in every hour of trouble. This time too, he arranged a free medical camp in the area to provide medical aid to the stranded people. During an inclement weather, seasonal diseases spread among the populace and there is no healthcare center in the whole area.
Abdul Jabbar, a tour guide, said the snowfall had this year badly affected the scenic valley.
\”We are clearing snow from roads but it\’s not possible without machinery,\” he added.
\”We only have six months of business season and our hotels are closed for six months due to the severe cold weather and snowfall in the winter,\” said Abdul Khaliq Kailash, president of the Kalash Valley Hotel Association.
The people of Kalash valley demanded that the communication system must be improved here so that tourists can come here easily like other areas during the snowfall, and even in the cold weather.
They also complained of tourism department that they did nothing for promoting snow sports or winter tourism in Kalash valleys.