SWAT: Tourists have praised the local residents and the district administration for reopening the Badgoi pass, connecting Kumrat and Utror valleys.

The scenic valleys of Kumrat in Upper Dir and Utror in Swat are connected by Badgoi pass, 11,558 feet above sea level, and it is the shortest route between the two scenic districts.

The pass remains blocked from October to June due to heavy snowfall. “The pass is not only used by the local people of Kurmat and Utror, but is now a busy route for tourists who travel between Utror and Kumrat,” said Hayat Mohammad Kalami, adding that this year the pass was opened and resorted for traffic by a joint venture of the local residents of Utror, Kumrat and the C&W department.

The tourists said that it took three hours to travel from Utror, Kalam, to Kumrat through the 35-kilometre Badgoi pass.

“The pass not only gives easy and shortest access between the two valleys, but also offers some dazzling scenes to tourists,” said Azharuddin, a visitor, adding the pass played a vital role in boosting tourism.

However, the residents in Utror and Kumrat complained that the contractor took back the excavator before clearing the road properly.

“The dangerous spots at the top were not properly cleared of snow due to which accidents can occur on the pass,” said Malik Dildar, a former nazim of the area. He demanded of the works department officials to send its excavator to clear the road at the top.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2021