Swept away: Routine life in Broghil paralysed

Locals repaired route in May, but it got damaged again within 10 days

CHITRAL: The flow of water in rivers in Chitral has increased manifold due to rising temperatures and the subsequent melting of Chiantar Glacier in the district. This has forced the people of Broghil to confront grave difficulties as the washing away of roads has impeded the supply of food to their area.

There is hardly any road left in Kashmanja – an area that is connected to Broghil and through which people of Broghil go to other parts of the district. A road was opened by locals with their own efforts in May, but was swept away again by gushing waters within 10 days. Heavy machinery is now required to reopen the route.

“Damage to the road has paralysed the whole valley,” Broghil village council nazim Amin Jan Tajik  told The Express Tribune. “There is severe shortage of food and medicines.”

He added a local died recently while giving birth – she could not be treated as there is no medical facility in Broghil.

In addition, diseases such as malaria and typhoid have spread like wildfire. However, the government has not taken any concrete steps to address the matter. The washing away of the main roads has not only hindered the supply of food to Broghil, communication networks were also blocked there.

Amin Jan added cattle was also washed away, leaving locals deprived of a means of income as they heavily depended on earnings that came from livestock.

Demanding attention

He added Broghil is of great importance as a number of lakes are present in the valley. The lakes were a source of water for not only Chitral, but the rest of country as well.

“However, the government was not paying any attention to the problems of locals of Broghil,” he added.

On behalf of locals, Amin Jan said they condemned the negligence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan and his government.

He urged the federal and provincial governments to solve the problems of people of Broghil and provide them food and medical facilities. He also pressed the government reopen the road and pay attention to Chitral.

He said if the government will not listen to them, they will be left with no option but to protest.

Meanwhile, the Chitral administration has announced a high alert in view of possible floods and has advised the people to stay away from rivers and lakes in such areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2016.