BOONI: The district administration of Upper Chitral has decided to take urgent measures to preserve and protect the green fields of Kaghlasht in Upper Chitral from onslaught of motorcar and bike riders.
On the direction of Deputy Commissioner Haseebur Rehman Khan Khalil, Assistant Commissioner Mastuj Ehsan Afridi, accompanied by Additional Assistant Commissioner Mulkhow and Torkhow Isa Muhammad Khan and police officials, visited the meadows and venue of the annual Kaghlasht festival today.
The district administration swung into action after social media videos showed hordes of tourists riding motorcycles and jeeps driving in the green fields of Kaghlasht and destroying the green cover during the Eidul Fitr holidays.
The officials inspected the entry points, unauthorized pathways, and the festival area.
The assistant commissioner instructed SHO of the Booni police station and the Subedar Major of Levies Force Upper Chitral to deploy a heavy contingent of personnel at the entry points of the Kaghlasht from April 4 to ensure its greenery and natural beauty.
He said tourists, players, and stallholders should be directed to refrain from playing games, setting up stalls, and driving cars or motorcycles in the festival area. Otherwise, strict actions will be taken against violators.
Kaghlasht is a vast open field with ample space for tourism, recreation, and sports activities. Therefore, camping and recreational activities in the festival area are strictly prohibited.
The assistant commissioner also requested tourists to maintain the beauty of the tourist spot and avoid littering. He urged them to cooperate with law enforcement officers and respect the law.
Additionally, he instructed the TMO Mastuj to deploy sanitary workers to clean the festival area, collect garbage, and ensure its proper disposal.