MINGORA, April 5: The unplanned and increasing population is not only marring the beauty of the Swat district, but also creating some serious communication problems for the people.

During the last few decades the population of different districts of the Malakand division has increased manifold due to which the agriculture land is fast shrinking. This trend, if not controlled, can cause many serious problems for the people.

According to the 1951 census the population of Swat was 283,720, Buner 1,099,000, Shangla 108,000, in 1961 it was: Swat 344,860, Buner 123,000, and Shangla 127,000. In 1972: Swat stood at 520,610, Buner 188,000, Shangla 180,000. In the 1981 it was: Swat 715,940, Buner 266,000, and Shangla 252,000, while in 1998 it was: Swat 1,257,600, Buner 506,000 and Shangla 434,563. The average increase in the population every year is stated to be from 3 to 4 per cent.

It has been learnt that the unemployment is on the rise, the agriculture land is being converted into highrise buildings and commercial centres. The farmers have no other option except to seek some sources of income to feed their children, as the remaining land is insufficient to meet their needs. The Population Welfare Department (PWD) Swat has also launched a mass awareness drive about the hazards of the increasing population and holding meetings with the people in different parts of the division.

A  statement issued here on Friday revealed that  some documentary and commercial movies were also shown in the corner meetings and gatherings in the division to get help of the low educated  people overcome the increasing population.  

Meraj Mohammad Khan, district population welfare officer and Fazal Mehmood Khan assistant district welfare officer have stressed upon the people to extend their cooperation to the government’s functionaries and minimize their difficulties.

They have also asked the people to take advantage of the government’s family planning programme and use to visit the local hospitals and health care centres for the purpose.