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Kamrat Valley – the heaven of KP
February 18, 2011
The area residents can’t live without woollies even during the summer season. They are known for their hospitality and generosity which are in their blood. Magnificent hills, exotic fruits and moonlit nights are a source of fascination for the tourists. It won’t be an exaggeration if we call it a queen of hills because of its grassy tracts, beautiful canals and lakes and snow leopard dens. The houses, mosques, Hujras and pillars of the area reflect the images of Gandhara Art. Nature has gifted the area with precious forests spread over vast tracts. Massive cutting of forests and illegal smuggling have become a serious threat to this dreamland. Diar, Sheesham and Serf trees are found in abundance. It is need of the hour that the government forbade forest cutting and ensure the spending of money from the cutting of forest on improving the life of the area people. The area’s wood used in furniture making throughout the country. Even in the year 2009, this area lacked the basic needs of living. The residents have made several power generating houses while the government has made a 500 MW electric house there. It just facilitates Thal area.
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Nature has endowed the Dir Valley of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) with an abundance of treasures like the age-old forts, primeval artifacts, antediluvian lakes and precious stones, and to top it all the tourist resorts of Lerum Top, Maidaan, Maskeeni, Shahi Bunshahi, Thal Kohistan, Jandool and Talash Valley.
The valley has lost its importance due to the arrogance of the ruling elite, poverty of its people and absence of living and resting facilities. Dilapidated roads have lengthened the journey from Dir Khas to Kamrat Valley, which takes about six hours – though the distance is just 60 km. The areas of Paatrak, Sheringal, Thal and Kalot etc. come during the journey between Dir and Kumrat. They are famous because of their unusual beauty.
A beautiful woodwork in a prehistoric mosque at Thal is one of its own kinds. Its design is similar to Khana Kaaba. The region of Kumrat Valley starts after Thal. Its waterfalls, lakes and buildings with stunning woodworks and urbanity are continuous modes of attraction for tourists. Trout fish of Kumrat is considered to be a great attraction for tourists.
The area residents can’t live without woollies even during the summer season. They are known for their hospitality and generosity which are in their blood. Magnificent hills, exotic fruits and moonlit nights are a source of fascination for the tourists. It won’t be an exaggeration if we call it a queen of hills because of its grassy tracts, beautiful canals and lakes and snow leopard dens. The houses, mosques, Hujras and pillars of the area reflect the images of Gandhara Art. Nature has gifted the area with precious forests spread over vast tracts. Massive cutting of forests and illegal smuggling have become a serious threat to this dreamland.
Diar, Sheesham and Serf trees are found in abundance. It is need of the hour that the government forbade forest cutting and ensure the spending of money from the cutting of forest on improving the life of the area people. The area’s wood used in furniture making throughout the country. Even in the year 2009, this area lacked the basic needs of living. The residents have made several power generating houses while the government has made a 500 MW electric house there. It just facilitates Thal area.
The valley lacks medical facilities and there is dire need for dispensaries and hospitals. Illiteracy is another problem. The area traditions are the biggest hindrance to the spread of education despite the fact that it is represented in both the provincial and federal governments. The people of Malakand Division, especially of Dir District, are a victim of constant neglect. The main problem is the scarcity of educational institutions.
The area residents have been experiencing many problems including militancy as one of the major problems blocking tourism. Secondly, dilapidated roads hinder the journey a lot. A 60-km distance needs six hours of traveling from Dir to Kumrat Valley. It is quite astonishing that with the beginning of tourists season militants start their activities in the area. Continuous interference of the religious scholars and militants in the area has become a major hindrance to the promotion of tourism.
Federal Minister for Safron Najam-ud-Din Khan belongs to this area; his seriousness could restore the area its past image and reputation of being a magnet for tourists.
It is need of the hour that the government provided education, health and transport facilities in the area. If new hotels are built, unlawful cutting of wood is checked and plantation of more plants is ensured, it would help promote tourism in the area. With Lower Dir – the Switzerland of Pakistan – gradually returning to normalcy, one can one hope that its badly-damaged tourism industry will soon reach its pinnacle.
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