KALLAR KAHAR: Littering around the Kallar Kahar Lake is affecting its beauty and environment.

The lake is at a distance of about 131km from Islamabad and is easy accessible through the M2, Kallar Kahar Interchange.

As they take the slip road from the interchange, tourists are now greeted by piles of trash and leftover food all along the 8km road around the lake.

The salt lake, which is situated at about 1,000 ft above sea level and is about five or six metres of water, is surrounded by hills which now attract fewer migratory birds.

The lake was once considered an ideal route for various species of migratory birds during the winters, they no longer stop at the lake due to the pollution.

Some ducks can be seen swimming in the greenish water in the lake and shoals of little fish can also be spotted near the banks.

“You can only find ducks in the lake. We have not seen swans or cranes swimming in the waters,” said Mohammad Azlan, a villager.

The lake is also surrounded by the loquat trees and the Takht-i-Babri is also situated here. The takht is carved out of the piece of stone and was constructed on the orders of the founder of the Mughal dynasty, Zaheeruddin Babar in 1519.

Motorists travelling between Lahore and Islamabad on the motorway also often stop at the lake, which offers many activities including pedal boating and motor boating.

However, the unchecked growth of restaurants and recreational facilities is harming the environment of the lake. The roadsides and the banks of the lake are littered with all sorts of garbage left behind by visitors while all the construction is blocking the view.

Mahrukh Munawar, who was visiting with a group from Lahore, said she was disappointed to see the pollution in and around the lake.

Another tourist, Musawar Malik, suggested an awareness raising campaign for visitors and shopkeepers, urging them to clean up after themselves and to avoid environmental degradation.

Others demanded that the concerned authorities should take action against the mushroom growth of commercial outlets in the area and pollution caused by tourist activities.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2019