Staff Correspondent
CHITRAL: Large piles of garbage along the Bypass Road in Chitral Bazar have raised serious concerns among residents and traders over the deteriorating sanitation situation in the town.
The accumulation of plastic bags, household waste and other refuse along the roadside has created an unhygienic environment and raises concerns about public health, cleanliness and the overall appearance of the area.
Social and political activist Nizar Wali Shah in a post on social media said the deteriorating sanitation situation was not merely a result of public negligence but also reflected shortcomings in the municipal system and a lack of proper attention from the authorities.
He said Chitral, being an important tourist destination, deserved a much more effective and sustainable waste-management system.
Chitral is one of Pakistan’s prominent tourist destinations, and its main markets and roads are frequently visited by tourists as well as local residents. The presence of large garbage heaps in a busy commercial area not only causes inconvenience to the public but also leaves a negative impression on visitors.
According to local sources, delays in the release of funds to municipal institutions have affected sanitation services, while sanitation workers have reportedly faced delays in receiving their salaries.
Shah urged the relevant authorities to immediately address the situation, ensure regular garbage collection along the Bypass Road and release any outstanding funds and salaries required to keep the town clean.
He also called for a long-term waste-management plan for Chitral Bazar, including designated disposal points, regular collection and proper disposal of solid waste.