CHITRAL, March 20: Ayun residents on Tuesday expressed a sense of relief at the diversion of the Chitral River, saying it will let them cultivate more than 2,000 acres of fertile land in their village without fear.

They told reporters here on Sunday that a large part of their land was washed away by the river water in summer last year but Sarhad Rural Support Program (SRSP) came to their help and diverted the river's course of flow away from their land at the cost of Rs6 million.

Former councilor Jandullah said their village situated at the entrance of three Kalash valleys was known for its fertile soil, which provided vegetables and rice to the whole district.

“We have heaved a sigh of relief as the river's course of flow has been changed. SRSP has solved our problem once and for all and now we will be cultivating our land measuring more than 2,000 acres without fear,” he said.