MINGORA: Thronged with local swimmers and tourists, the Kokarai stream has double blessings; unlimited water supply for the local people and an attractive cool point for the visitors to beat the heat.

Located at about 10 kilometres from Mingora, Kokarai is a historical valley with glimpses of scattered ruins of Gandhara civilisation. However, the valley has a zigzag stream flowing from Parona Chinar and traversing through Jabmil village.

The stream is major source of irrigating agriculture lands and providing water for daily use chores. The stream is thronged with local residents and tourists during the summer season.

“We enjoy multiple attractions here; stunning view and cool and crystal clear water,” said Ibrahim Khan, a resident of Kokarai.

There are unending rows of trees along both sides of the stream giving natural shade to the swimmers. The stream has hundreds of small ponds where young boys and swimmers enjoy cool water and musical sound produced by gushing water hitting the rocks.

“Apart from its cooling effects, I really love and enjoy the beautiful view of the stream. It is a natural blessing,” said Khan Nawab, a tourist from Mingora who was sitting with friends along the bank of the stream.

The stream is blended with several springs of very cold water from where local people get drinking water.

“Water of the spring is very cold in summer and hot in winter so we come here to fetch drinking water,” said Sohail Khan, a resident of Kokarai.

During summer the Kokarai and Marghuzar streams are thronged with local people to keep themselves cool and enjoy natural beauty. Both the streams provide the local people with a haven to refresh and enjoy.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2016