THE hydropower projects underway in Swat have put the valley, once known for its unmatched beauty, on the edge of an ecological and cultural disaster. The beautiful Swat River, which gives life to the valley and its people, is being pushed into tunnels as part of a govern-ment hydropower project from Kalam to Madyan.

This plan will dry up over 50 kilometres of river, especially during winter, and destroy the natural beauty, culture and economy of the region. The government says this is for electricity, but Pakistan already makes more electricity than it consumes. The real problem is not power shortage — it is corruption, bad management, and power theft. So, why should the people of Swat lose their river, their income, and their future for a mistake they did not commit?

Many people in Swat depend on the river for farming, fishing and tourism. If the river disappears, thousands will lose their jobs, hotels will shut down, the famous trout fish will be extinct, and more people will be forced to leave their homes. It is already happening. Reports say 12,000 people have left the area due to lost opportunities.

Even worse, these projects were planned without taking the local people into confidence. There were no public meetings, no environmental checks, and no fair compensation. In a place where people already struggle for schools and hospitals, this ‘development’ feels more like a punishment. The Swat River should not be sacrificed for cities that do not even know it exists. Let the river flow. Let Swat live.

Azmat Ullah
Swat

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2025