ABBOTTABAD: Hazara Commissioner Riaz Khan Mahsud has taken stern action against illegal construction of hotels, encroachments on Mansehra-Babusar road, along the Kunhar River and illegal excavation of gravel and sand from the river in Naran.

He directed the authorities concerned to launch an operation against violators of rules. About 20 persons were arrested by violating rules.

During field visit after attending the theird meeting of board of directors of Kaghan Development Authority (KDA), the commissioner and board members visited the valley.

They took notice of illegal construction, encroachments on Mansehra-Babusar road and the Kunhar River, condition of Mansehra-Naran road and illegal excavation of sand and gravel from the river.

Commissioner asks depts to take steps for preservation of forests and improvement of infrastructure

They noticed absence of traffic management plan, unavailability of parallel activities for tourists and poor condition of the road. They took notice of diversion of the river at different spots, particularly Soach and Accesso owing to excavation of sand and gravel.

They ordered resumption of the flow of river to protect marine life and ecosystem of the area. They also ordered arrest of a man for diverting the river by constructing a foundation for future activities.

Briefing the journalists, the commissioner said that a number of people were sent behind bars for constructing illegal buildings. He said that poor condition of Mansehra-Naran road was hurdle to promotion of tourism. He directed the deputy director NHA to repair the highway on war footing.

He said that during inspection of NHA rest house in Naran, they observed sheer violation of forest, irrigation, environment and KDA laws.

The deputy commissioner of Mansehra and assistant commissioner of Balakot were ordered to take immediate action against the illegal structures. About 20 people were arrested for constructing illegal structures.

KDA Director General Mohammad Asif told journalists that board members appreciated the commissioner for holding three meetings within two months. He said that in the past, since establishment of KDA in 1996, a total of four to five meetings were held.

He said that besides making decisions about other matters, budget of KDA for financial year 2020-21 was approved. The approved budget included Rs97 million for current expenditures and Rs25 million for developmental works.

Mr Asif said that the board approved filling of vacant positions in KDA. He said that relevant departments were directed to chalk out plans and take steps for beautification of the valley, conservation and preservation of wildlife and forests, preparation of traffic plan and improvement of infrastructure.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2020