MANSEHRA: The district administration has banned entry of tourists in Kaghan valley to avoid any mishap as the area has received one of the heaviest snowfalls during the last few days.

“We have restricted the entry of tourists in Kaghan valley because of the heavy snowfall there. Tourists already there are requested not to indulge in any adventurism,” said deputy commissioner, Mansehra, Aamir Khattak while speaking to mediapersons on Thursday.

He said that tourists attempting to visit the valley would be stopped at Jarad police checkpoint. “Whatever steps we have been taking are for the safety of tourists,” he said.

Mr Khattak said that district police officer Najeebur Rehman had also asked the district administration to impose such restrictions as hundreds of tourists were stranded in the valley after heavy snowfall and landslides last week.

The DC said that Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad road was opened to traffic, but heavy snowfall and landslides could block it anytime.“The valley has received the heaviest snowfall so far in this season,” he said.

He said that hoteliers in the valley had already been directed not to provide lodging services or rooms to tourists. “The tourism season in the valley has ended with the start of first snowfall of winter season,” he said.

He said that Kaghan valley was receiving a heavy snowfall for the last couple of days. “We are not worried about the local settlers in Bassal, Gatidass and Buttakundi as almost all of them had already left the area and settled in lower parts of valley and those who are still there have sufficient means to cope with any sort of weather situation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2015

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