WB seeks EPA word on mule track project

Funding linked to environment impact survey findings

RAWALPINDI:

The World Bank (WB) has sought an environment impact survey of a six kilometres long track in Kotli Sattiyan for which the Punjab government has requested funding from the institution.

On directions of the World Bank, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Rawalpindi has begun an environmental survey for the construction of the six-km track in Kotli Sattiyan as a tourist attraction, Parks and Authority (PHA) Chairman Asif Mehmood told The Express Tribune on Sunday.

The six-km track would be constructed between Panjpir Rocks and Narh Kahuta, Mehmood said adding, “it was actually a mule track dating back to the British era.”

Government plans to build a metalled road on the dirt track, however it would require cutting of trees and clearing of a section of woods, said Mehmood who is also Adviser to Chief Minister on Tourism.

Since the provincial government has asked the World Bank tp fund the project, the Bretton Wood institution has sought an environment impact survey to determine how many trees would be chopped for the construction of the track along with its ecological effect.

The report would be submitted to the World Bank after which it would consider releasing funds for the project, Mehmood said. The environmental survey report would be completed by mid of December, the CM’s adviser on tourism added.

After completion of the track, new recreational site would be opened at Panjpir Rocks for the tourists, PHA chairman said.

He said that the construction of a six-km track was very important for boosting tourism. He added that the path would be flanked by benches and washrooms. Lights will be installed along the track too while there would be shops tuck shops and tea spots as well.

PHA chairman said that the entire six-km range would become a hub of tourism in the near future being at a higher altitude than Murree.

Lake uplift project

The provincial government has started extension projects to uplift three lakes in Chakwal for promoting tourism, Mehmood said.

Dharabi Lake in Chakwal and Uchali and Khoshab lakes in Soan Sakesar valley will be uplifted and new recreational activities including boating, water scooters would be introduced there before next summer season.

He said that Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar will inaugurate all three projects in February and a grand cultural festival would be organised on the occasion.

Mehmood told The Express Tribune that additional 70 kanals of land has been acquired for Dharabi Lake tourist resort.

He added that they have acquired 16 boats while modern guest houses would be constructed on all three locations.

The adviser said that Uchali, Khoshab, and Dharabi lakes were beautiful recreational sites where they would introduce cycle boats, water scooters, and other activities there.

Mehmood said that lights, benches, amusement rides would be installed while flowering plants were already being planted around all three lakes.

He added that jungle kingdoms would be established along with vast parking spaces for visitors. The adviser said that they would convert Punjab into a model tourism spot while special coasters would be run to haul tourists.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2020.