ABBOTTABAD, July 25: Nathiagali is losing its charm for tourists as a result of unplanned expansion with problems like shortage of drinking water, unclean environment, uncontrolled prices of food items, no check on room charges in hotels and a large number of guesthouses doing business without registration.

Tourists in a record number are visiting Nathiagali and Murree this year but most of them face problems because of lack of facilities.

No picnic spot has been developed for the tourists and the major attraction for their children is watching monkeys jumping on trees and offering them food.

While the main responsibility of developing the facilities rests with the federal and provincial tourism departments, the Galyat Development Authority was Established by former NWFP chief minister Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan with initial funds of about Rs100 million. Later the authority was transferred to the Abbottabad district government and then again returned under the control of the provincial government.

The GDA has not yet taken any major steps for the development of Nathiagali, Donga Gali, Changla Gali, Ayubia and Thandiyani.

Recently, chairman of the local Hotels and Restaurants Owners’ Association Sardar Jeenda Khan complained about acute shortage of water in the region and stressed the need for a garbage lifting system, specially at tourist spots.

The NWFP government is reported to have constituted a committee to look into allegations of illegal construction of cabins and hotels in Nathiagali and other areas. The committee presided over by the provincial chief secretary will meet in Abbottabad.

Experts say the Galyat region needs long-term planning for the construction of hotels and flats while preserving the natural beauty of the area. They say the problems of increasing traffic, shortage of water and lack of arrangements for garbage disposal should be addressed on priority.

The visitors also complain about the unjustified collection of toll tax at different points.

The wildlife department has initiated some major projects in the area, including development of national parks and tracks to famous peaks like Mira Jani top and one between Ayubia and Nathiagali.