CHITRAL: The residents of Ashrait village of Chitral have complained the government has failed to compensate them for the losses they suffered during the construction of the Lowari tunnel.

Speaking at the ‘Press Forum’ conducted by the Chitral Press Club on Wednesday, the elders Ehsanullah, Maulana Sharif Ahmed, Alamzeb, Fazluddin, Haji Fazle Subhan, Sher Ahmed and others said during excavation for extension of the road, a large number of irrigation channels were blocked by the debris.

They said due to blockade of the channels, they had not been able to cultivate their lands for last five years, while the fruit trees, including walnuts, also withered away, causing them huge losses.

The elders said water supply schemes were also affected during the road construction, forcing them to consume contaminated water. They added pedestrian tracks of the hilly area were also damaged. They said the high-ups of National Highway Authority and the district administration were indifferent to their plight.

The only basic health unit of the village and a large portion of the government high school were also razed for expansion of the road four years ago, they pointed out.

The elders complained the digital telephone exchange was also shifted away from the village when its building was affected by the road expansion. The elders opposed the proposed construction of a police station on the land meant for the telephone exchange.

Published in Dawn, October 1st , 2020