Promoting tourism: G-B to host car rally on Aug 21

EPA makes arrangements for event

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government is planning to organise a three-day car and motorbike rally in Deosai from August 21 to August 23.

The event will be organised by the G-B tourism department and Pakistan Army in a bid to encourage more people to visit the area.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman said a large number of tourists visited the region this year.

“We want to continue this trend,” he said. “This rally will boost the tourism industry in the region.”

On the cards

The event will also include polo and cricket matches, rafting and paragliding and a cultural dance show. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is also expected to attend the three-day festival.

Participants are expected to enter Deosai through Skardu after which they will camp near Sheosar Lake in Deosai National Park for the entire duration of the event.

The total number of cars and motorbikes for the rally has not been confirmed.

However, according to an official of the CM’s Secretariat, over a 100 vehicles have been arranged for the event.

Environmental concerns

According to the chief minister, officials of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have made a series of arrangements for the event. They are trying to ensure adequate parking space for participants

“A series of guidelines have also been issued to maintain cleanliness and preserve the beauty and wildlife of the plains,” said the CM. “The EPA has been given the task of acting as a watchdog.”

The plains

Deosai plains stand at an average elevation of 4,114 metres above sea level. They have been declared a national park, which subsequently places the entire area of 3,000 square kilometres under protection according to wildlife laws. The plains received this national park status to protect the great brown Himalayan bear which was on the verge of extinction.

Located at the boundary of the Karakoram and the western Himalayas, these plains are accessible from Skardu and Astore only during summer when the snow melts. During this time, the rich flora and fauna attract hundreds of tourists from across the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2015.