Soan Valley’s untapped potential

Lake Uchhali is home to migratory birds and a popular spot for tourists

KHUSHAB:

The largest of the three lakes in Soan Valley, Uchhali is famous for its natural beauty and being home to some of the Siberia's rarest birds. The beauty of the location and its unique wildlife make it an attractive destination for tourists, with boating, hunting and bird-watching for visitors to enjoy. Yet despite the influx of tourists, the government is not paying attention to the region. Roads to the site are cracked and hard to traverse, which affect potential revenue earned from hosting visitors.

The saltwater lake came into existence due to a lack of drainage for rainwater. The lake area also features Sakesar, the highest mountain in the Pothohar region. In the waters of the lake, a natural road can be seen. In 1863, Lake Uchhali had an area of 1,425 acres that dropped to 1,128 acres in 1890 and increased to 2,550 acres in 1892 due to heavy rains.

However, its total area now is 943 acres and its depth is said to be about 378 feet. This lake is located 760 metres above sea level. Nowshera educationist Malik Shabbir Awan told The Express Tribune that the history of Lake Uchhali is about 437 years old. Lake Uchhali is also home to birds migrating from Siberia, Mongolia and Central Asia with the white-headed duck being particularly renowned. Over 45 species of birds are known to visit the lake, in order to breed. A rare breed of duck called Morbled Teal nests here.

Malik Abdul Rehman, a resident of Uchhali, said the water in this lake depends on natural springs and rains. Rainfall also affects the depth of the lake and the number of birds. During migration, white-headed ducks make the lake their home along with hundreds of other waterfowl.

The saltwater lake is surrounded by sand dunes and its water level depends on rainfall, which not only affects its depth but also its salinity. Malik Iqbal Awan, a local resident, said the lake was the base level of the plateau of Soan Valley, adding that surprisingly, the water in the lake itself is bitter and salty, while the water of the surrounding wells and tube wells is sweet.

While the site’s population of rare birds could attract ornithologists, there also are plenty of other activities for visitors. The lake was legally designated a national game reserve in 1986 and has been designated an international Ramsar site since 1996. Boating is also available for tourists. The road that runs between lakes now has a boardwalk that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the water.

However, Malik Haris Awan, a tourist from Lahore, told The Express Tribune that he had travelled to visit the lake, but was disappointed to see the damaged and neglected road leading to Uchhali that neither the previous nor current government have given any attention or deigned to repair.

The TDCP has prepared a track for visitors to walk along and a seating arrangement near the lake itself which offers an attractive view.