Snow turns K-P into winter wonderland

Kalash Valley, Malam Jabba, Lowari Top and Alpuri blanketed in white

CHITRAL/ SHANGLA/ SWAT:

In the wake of a protracted cold snap and an unusually snowless winter across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the regions of Lower and Upper Chitral, Malam Jaba in Swat, and the surrounding mountainous districts, including Shangla, have finally been graced with the season’s inaugural snowfall, accompanied by torrential rains.

This long-awaited change marks the conclusion of a snowless winter period that had severely impacted the tourism-dependent economies of these picturesque hill stations, dissuading visitors from making the journey.

Reports from local residents indicate that the snowfall commenced during the night in the mountains of Upper Chitral and the scenic Kalash Valley, persisting throughout Sunday and attracting tourists to Chitral in droves to witness and revel in the natural spectacle. “Chitral city experienced heavy rainfall, while the surrounding mountains were enveloped in a blanket of snow,” remarked a local resident while talking to The Express Tribune, noting the palpable excitement and bustling activity that ensued.

Similarly, Malam Jabba in Upper Swat experienced its first significant snowfall of the season, eliciting joy from local hoteliers and tourists alike. Other areas such as Lowari Top, Kalash, Medak Kashat, Gabur, and Arson in Lower Chitral, along with Kot, Baroghal, and Tareech in Upper Swat, also received several inches of snow, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.

Read: Snowless winter hit tourism hard

The onset of snowfall has brought much-needed relief to farmers and villagers, as it replenishes streams essential for irrigation and revitalizes the local tourism industry, providing a welcome economic boost to hotels and restaurants with the increased influx of tourists. However, this surge in tourism has also led to heightened demand for firewood, resulting in soaring prices and exacerbating concerns over accessibility to essential resources.

Despite the picturesque scenery, heavy snowfall has posed significant challenges for residents, particularly those residing in remote mountainous villages, where roads and pathways have become impassable due to the accumulation of snow. Limited infrastructure and resources further compound the difficulties faced during the winter months, impacting daily life and access to essential goods and services, especially in impoverished areas like Shangla.

While the snowfall brings blessings for agriculture, ensuring the replenishment of water sources vital for irrigation during the dry summer months, it also brings with it a host of hardships. Restricted mobility and increased costs of living due to heightened demand for goods and services are among the challenges faced by residents during the winter season.

Improved infrastructure and support mechanisms are crucial for these regions to fully harness their tourism potential while addressing the challenges posed by harsh winters. Investments in road maintenance and snow-clearing equipment, as well as the provision of essential services and resources, are essential to ensure the well-being and resilience of communities in these remote mountainous areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2024.