PESHAWAR: The services of a private firm have been hired to make a master plan for the uplift and development of Galiyat areas in Hazara region, the Galiyat Development Authority has informed the Peshawar High Court.

In a detailed report submitted to a bench consisting of Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Syed Afsar Shah, the GDA said the provincial government had taken several steps for preserving the beauty of Galiyat areas, which were the country’s prime tourist attractions, including release of Rs105 million.

The report submitted by GDA lawyer Asghar Khan Kundi stated that the authority had also withdrawn Rs30 fee paid by each tourist on entry to the area.

It added that to keep Galiyat clean, steps had been taken with the support of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Galiyat Development Authority says private firm has been hired to develop plan

“While entering Galiyat areas, visitors have been provided with biodegradable bags to put trash and hand them over to the civic agency employees. The trash is disposed of with the support of the WWF,” it said.

The high court had taken a suo moto notice of different issues related to Galiyat areas, especially the growing environmental pollution and encroachments, and had directed the GDA to produce a detailed report about the steps taken by it for improving the situation.

The bench adjourned the hearing into the case observing that after going through the report, it would conduct further proceedings.

The report states that the new master plan for Galiyat was in the development phase being carried out by a private firm.

It added that the master plan’s development was in line with the development plan and that it would accommodate all basic needs by studying structure design, soil mechanics of different areas.

The report said the plan would be linked with waste disposal, water supply schemes and building by-laws.

“The master plan will also identify sites for planned growth in the housing sector and also tourist spots,” it said.

The report said the beauty of Galiyat area would be restored and that the government had released Rs105 million for the purpose.

It added that it was the endevaour of the government that not only tourists from within the country but also from abroad are attracted to Galiyat known for enchanting beauty.

The report said the relevant authority had approved the land record management information system for Galiyat development by hiring well reputed firms and experts to develop computerised land records on priority basis.

It added that approval was given for the commencement of complaint cell, redressal and information dissemination system, which would provide citizens with a direct access and share grievance handling and thus, reducing redundancy and operational overheads.

“To monitor encroachments and other problems, a 14-member monitoring cell is functional. The GDA has been revamped, while the Galiyat Development Authority Act, 1996, was repealed through an ordinance,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2016