Mountains call: Cleanliness drive launched in three AJK districts

Tourists spots, roads in Muzaffarabad, Neelum and Rawalakot being cleaned


MA Mir July 05, 2016
A beautiful view of Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. PHOTO: FILE

MUZAFFARABAD: The administrations of three districts in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Tuesday started cleanliness and road repair drive to facilitate the tourists who intend to visit the region during Eidul Fitr holidays.

“More than 200 workers have been deployed to clean the main roads, parks, tourist spots and the banks of Jhelum and Neelum rivers in the capital city to give a better feeling to the tourists who are planning to spend Eid holidays in the scenic areas of the AJK,” Deputy Commissioner Masoodur Rehman told The Express Tribune on Tuesday.

He said that roads linking Neelum, Pirchanasi and Leepa valleys with the capital city had been cleared to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

In Neelum Valley the district administration has also cleaned the main tourist spots.

“The main spots such as Sharda, Karen, Kutton, Taubutt and Kel have been cleaned and are now open to welcome the tourists. Machines have also been deployed at five places on the 200km-long Neelum Valley Road to clear the route of any blockade by landslides and rain,” Neelum Valley Deputy Commissioner Hamid Kayani said.

A special team has also been formed to monitor the rates of private guest houses and hotels to discourage overcharging and to provide a better sense of feeling to the tourists.

He said the Rescue-1122 and State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) teams had already been put on alert to meet any emergency situation during the monsoon rains in the Himalayan mountain region.

Besides the civil administration, we have established a good working relationship with Pakistan Army in the Neelum Valley so that in the wake of any emergency their services could be availed, Kayani added.

The areas close to Banjoosa Lake in Rawalakot District have also been cleaned to give a pleasant look to the Eid revellers.

Rawalakot Deputy Commissioner Sohail Azam said that besides the lake they had also cleaned the road to Tolipir as well.

“After Banjoosa Lake, Tolipir is the most beautiful and attractive place for the tourists who want to spend Eid holidays in Rawalakot,” he added.

A cleanliness drive has also been launched to make the tourist spots clean for the visitors.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2016.

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