July 27, 2007	Friday	Rajab 11, 1428

ABBOTTABAD, July 26: Thandiyani is the best tourist spot in Abbottabad district but sadly it continues to function without water or electricity. Tourists, who come from all over the country, are facing a lot of difficulties here due to a lack of these two basic facilities.

The local hotel industry is the only source of income for many people here. Tourists pour into this famous hill station mainly between the months of May and August. The money earned in this period is enough to sustain themselves for the rest of the year. But due to neglect of the organisations concerned, this industry is gradually declining with each passing year.

Even though it’s a popular tourist destination, it’s a tragedy that to date nothing has been done to develop the area. A church and some buildings were constructed here before partition. The road to Thandiyani is thankfully also in proper working condition. But there are only a few hotels and restaurants in the area which the locals have built on their own complete with making arrangements for clean drinking water and electricity generators.

Mostly, tourists come here to keep themselves away from the hustle and bustle usually found in other nearby destinations such as Murree, Nathiagali and Ayubia.

In spite of demand from the local people, none of the concerned authorities have taken any interest in developing Thandiyani from a tourism point of view. Even the local elected members of the provincial and national assemblies have failed to discharge their duties in this respect.

Another worrisome aspect of this tourist spot is that there are no health facilities here. There used to be a Basic Health Unit in the area with a small staff before the Oct 8 earthquake tragedy but it too has been shut down. People needing medical attention have to either go to Kala Pani, located around 15km from here or they have to travel all the way to Abbottabad city. Mobile phone service providers have installed their towers/boosters in the area. PTCL lines are also available to visitors here.

Thandiyani is one of the highest tourist spots in the country located at more than 9,600 feet above the sea-level. The blame for the underdevelopment lies squarely at the Galyat Development Authority, the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation and the NWFP tourist department.

Locals here complained that even a scheme to provide electricity to the area was planned but it was dropped due to concerns that the power company would not be able to gain profit or sustain the costs.