The Upper Swat Development Authority (USDA) and local administration on Wednesday removed illegal structures in the busy and tourist hotspot Kalam of district Swat as an anti-encroachment drive continued in the area in order to make the tourist destination hassle-free for nature lovers.
A statement was issued in this regard by the authority on Wednesday, said that in the light of the orders of Advisor to Tourism and Culture Zahid Chanzeb and the provincial government, an effective and thorough operation was carried out by the Upper Swat Development Authority and the district administration against illegal constructions and encroachments in Kalam Bazaar, during which dozens of temporary and permanent encroachments were removed from the main bazaar.
It said the operation was supervised by Director General Upper Swat Development Authority Adnan Abrar, Deputy Commissioner Swat Shahzad Mehboob, Assistant Commissioner Bahrain Junaid Khan, Additional Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Sher and Assistant Director Upper Swat Development Authority Saeed-ur-Rehman. The district administration, USDA staff, local police, tourism police and other relevant agencies were also present on the occasion.
During the operation, encroachments in front of shops, hotels and restaurants on the main road were immediately removed. Shopkeepers were instructed to keep their goods inside the shops and not to put any obstacles on the footpaths.
According to Assistant Director and Spokesperson of Upper Swat Development Authority Saeedur Rehman, before taking action against encroachments, the administration had issued regular legal notices, in light of which this action was taken. If any attempt is made to establish encroachments again, strict legal action will be taken. The administration appealed to the hotel owners and shopkeepers to continue to cooperate with the Upper Swat Development Authority and the district administration for the elimination of encroachments and the improvement of the area, and the promotion of tourism.
Read also: Unseasonal snowfall attracts tourists to Kalam Valley
Unusual snowfall hit the upper areas of Kalam Valley, including Palogah, Glacier, and Mahodand, despite it being April. The light snow has enhanced the region’s beauty, attracting many tourists.
The snow has also made the weather colder. In some areas, rain caused landslides.
The Upper Swat Development Authority (USDA) spokesperson reported that over 200,000 tourists visited Swat in 35,000 vehicles during the Eid holidays. Many are now coming to see the stunning snowfall.
Saeed-ur-Rehman, spokesperson for the Upper Swat Development Authority, said that Kalam and Malam Jabba saw the highest number of visitors. The spokesperson also mentioned that 71 foreign tourists visited Swat in 16 vehicles over the three days. These visitors came from Australia, Jordan, Somalia, Germany, and Kenya.
Saeed-ur-Rehman said the tourism department aims to attract more foreign tourists to Swat. He added that tourism police are stationed at key destinations to ensure tourists receive the best service.
Saeed-ur-Rehman confirmed that the tourism helpline, 1422, is available 24/7 for emergencies. Heavy machinery and field staff are on standby in Kalam to handle any issues.
The influx of tourists during Eid boosted both the tourism sector and local businesses in Swat.
