ISLAMABAD: Participants of the National Children Mountain Forum (NCMF) on Saturday urged the government to protect the natural environment of the Kaghan Valley, which is threatened by massive deforestation, water pollution and uncontrolled development of the tourism industry.

Based on firsthand exposure, the children highlighted the issues facing the environment of the mountain areas at the 14th NCMF organised by the Adventure Foundation Pakistan. More than 60 children from various parts of Pakistan participated in a ten day meeting organised in Abbotabad, Batakundi, Naran, Kaghan and Balakot from July 28 to August 5.

Syed Huzaifa, a participant, said a joint petition has been sent to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to improve the environmental conditions of the Kaghan Valley. He called for immediate measures to conserve mountain resources, including forests, biodiversity and water.

Young mountaineers and environmentalists shared their experiences at the event and described the deplorable condition of solid waste management and deforestation in the valley.

Mr Huzaifa said that they have observed during their field visit that the forests of Kaghan Valley, which support many diverse forms of life, are under severe threat due to deforestation. “We have seen at Lalazar that many trees have been cut to clear land for the cultivation of potatoes. Therefore, we recommend that a strict ban may be imposed on tree-cutting and alternate source of fuel wood may be provided to locals and hoteliers to control illegal deforestation,” he said.

Sana Sahil, another young participant talked about her experiences. She said: “Water is our most precious resource, and without it, there’s no life. We have noticed that at number of places in Kaghan Valley solid waste and waste water from hotels is being disposed off in the Kunhar River. If people keep polluting it, the time will come when the river water will not be safe for aquatic life and for human use.”

Participants also drew a connection between issues like solid waste management and water pollution and the uncontrolled development of tourism businesses.

Daniyal Qureshi said: “We have noticed heaps of garbage at places like Naran, Kaghan, Saiful Muluk Lake, Lulusar Lake and even at Babusar Pass. Our government is requested to develop a proper plan for the development of eco-friendly tourism in the mountain areas and establish a proper waste management program for all tourist places in order to protect the natural beauty of these places,”

International Union of Conservation of Nature Global Vice President Malik Amin Aslam said engaging the youth in mountain conversation practices would have a lasting impact on the situation on the ground.

Mr Aslam, who is also the head of the KP government’s Green Initiative, said the KP government has been working to make the province greener by taking all the stakeholders onboard.

NCM conservation meet national coordinator Aftabur Rehman Rana said the meet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for children.

Under the project, over 100 children from all over Pakistan are taken to the mountainous areas every summer. During the meet, they take on eco-study projects and other activities aimed at raising environmental awareness and conservation.

At the end of the field visit, a forum is organised in which participants share their observations and experiences with the relevant government officials.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2016