CHITRAL, June 24, 2025: A vital stretch of the Chitral-Garam Chashma road near Balach and the Chitral Airport has been severely damaged due to negligence of the government departments and a recent diversion of the Chitral River, sparking widespread concern among local residents and commuters.
According to locals, the river, already swelling due to rising summer temperatures, was diverted towards the road embankment, either unintentionally or due to poor planning by the relevant authorities. This diversion has eroded the base of the road, causing large sections to collapse and making the route impassable for regular traffic.
The damaged road connects critical infrastructure including the Chitral Airport, University of Chitral, Langlands School, Aga Khan Higher Secondary School and various government offices in Balach, including the NHA office. It also serves as the main artery linking Chitral to Lotkoh, Garam Chashma, and several interior valleys such as Arkari, Parsan and Kareemabad.
Traffic has now been forcibly rerouted through Denin, which is causing significant delays and daily hardship for thousands of commuters.
Local community leaders and activists have called the situation a disaster of negligence. They state that repeated warnings were issued to authorities to reinforce the road before the river levels rose, but no timely action was taken. One civil society member commented that this was not a natural disaster, it was poor planning.
The National Highway Authority and the district administration have yet to provide a clear statement or timeline for repairs. With river flow increasing due to the ongoing summer heat, residents fear that further erosion could sever access to the entire western region.
Residents are calling for immediate repair work, embankment reinforcement, a proper investigation into how the damage occurred, and accountability from the departments responsible for river management and road maintenance.
With rainy season on the horizon, people fear that continued inaction could lead to a total collapse of infrastructure in this strategically vital area.