Kaghan Valley packed despite end of Eid break

Shahrah-e-Kaghan, which was closed after December snowfall, was restored ahead of Eid

BALAKOT:

Eidul Fitr holidays are officially over, but thousands of tourists continue to throng different places in Kaghan Valley like Shogran, Kaghan, Naran and Lake Saif-ul-Mulook.

Earlier, snowfall in December had forced Shahrah-e-Kaghan to shut down for traffic. This was restored by cutting glaciers a few days before Eidul Fitr to facilitate numerous tourists intent on spending Eid in the area.

The administration has directed Rescue 1122 and police to remain on alert for the convenience of tourists. As many as 151 traffic personnel have been deployed to maintain the flow of traffic on Kaghan highway and prevent traffic jams.

Tourists from all over the country flocked to the valley to enjoy their holidays and were seen skating on glaciers in many places. The tourism department has kept its helpline active to assist tourists to prevent mishaps and to provide aid in case of trouble. Tourists can contact the tourism department on 1422.

Some tourists while talking to The Express Tribune said that the famous spots of Kaghan Valley, like Lake Saif-ulMulook, Shogran and Sri Pai are like heaven, and visiting these places doubled their joy of Eid.

Heatwave, melting of glaciers

The Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Meteorological Department on Saturday warned that a heatwave is expected in the province during this week, which could lead to a further 7-9 degree spike in temperature and intensity.

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According to the advisory issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department Islamabad (PMD), a “High-Pressure System" in the upper atmosphere is likely to prevail over the region during this week. It is more likely that this heatwave condition will enhance the melting rate of snow and ice which may trigger GLOF event/ flash flood in the vulnerable areas of the province, it said. Therefore, the population living near waterways/vulnerable locations should be put on alert so as to avoid any losses to precious human lives. All relevant line agencies must also be put on alert for swift response in case of emergency.

Citizens are requested to take precautionary measures, avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, use more water and in case of emergency contact Rescue 1122, the nearest health center, or PDMA helpline 1700.

District administration Abbottabad also took measures regarding the provision of facilities and information to tourists where Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad Muhammad Hassan Ahsan met the tourists and distributed information booklets at various places.

He inspected the parks along with the officers of the Industries Department and sealed 1 booking office due to a lack of safety and precautionary measures, he also issued instructions to the park administration regarding the safety. AC also arrested many people for extra charging for parking in Harno Abbottabad.