Instead of reconstructing the road on the same place, it is better to build one on the other lower side of the lake.
LAHORE: Soan Valley is the area of mountains, biodiversity and the Ucchali Complex. The area boasts of a clean environment which is worth being advertised to promote ecotourism. Last time I visited Soan Valley with my research supervisors Prof Dr A U Khan and Mr Joachim Gratzfeld Regional Director of Botanic Gardens Conservation International. They are running different conservation projects in the area like Hayaul Mir, Khura and Kanahti Garden.
The Ucchali Complex, composed of Ucchali, Khabbeki and Jahlar lakes, are designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ucchali Complex is divided by constructing a road to connect Chitta Village with the main road. During the initial visit, the road was eroded away by strong waves of the Ucchali Lake and the government is still in the process of reconstructing it. However, instead of reconstructing the road on the same place, it is better to build one on the other lower side of the lake. As the Ucchali Lake is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity, this road is disturbing the function and beauty of the lake.
I request Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the authorities concerned to consider my request so that minimum harm is caused to the lake.
Asad Abbas
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2014.
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