CHITRAL: Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) in collaboration with the wildlife department and the district administration launched a campaign during the Shandur Festival 2025, distributing plastic bags among the shopkeepers and hoteliers to collect waste, which was later disposed of at designated locations by the tehsil municipal administration staff.

A statement issued from the SLF Chitral office here on Monday said the three-day festival held at the world’s highest polo ground had attracted thousands of both domestic and foreign tourists, making cleanliness drive obligatory for the safety of the venue.

“Shandur, which is the natural habitat of the snow leopard and the pasture of Laspur people, is crowded by tourists during the festival. The presence of a large number of people generates a large amount of garbage, which is thrown in the open fields,” the statement said. It added since livestock also roamed freely in the pasture during these days, they were vulnerable to diseases if they ate the dirt.

“Though the district government cleans up the area at the end of the event, adequate cleaning is not possible during the event. In such a situation, it is the responsibility of tourists and local shopkeepers to play role in keeping the environment clean,” the statement underscored.

The SLF Chitral office said it organised different activities, including awareness walks, meetings with shopkeepers and cleanliness campaigns in collaboration with the district administration, wildlife department and local community organisations to promote responsible tourism.

“SLF is grateful to all stakeholders, the district government, wildlife department and local organisations for making this campaign a success. Since Shandur is the habitat of the snow leopard, its cleanliness and protection of the leopard’s natural environment is among our priorities,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Kalash Valleys Development Authority (KVDA) organised a stall of the articles of material culture of Kalash during the Shandur festival.

KVDA director general Minhasuddin told mediapersons that the aim of the stall was to showcase the culture of the primitive people, who lived in three different valleys of Lower Chitral known for their unique ways of life.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2025