Khawaja Wajih-u-Din
It was a great sigh of relief when we heard the news that many human lives have been saved in Battagram. Having served in the area and the adjoining district of Kohistan I know it personally that this was not the first time that such nearly fatal accident occurred in the area involving chairlifts. ”Ally“, where the incident took place, is one of the most neglected areas in the province. At the same time I can say it with surety that if developed ally has the potential to beat many tourist attractions.
As I have served in Battagram and dealt with such cases therefore I have firsthand knowledge of the area. I remember a case where about 17 people were killed in such an accident and many injured. The matter was unfortunately compromised. There were other cases too of such nature.
Having lived in Battagram and Kohistan I came to know that people use such chairlifts as a master of routine, out of necessity, because there are no other means of communication. Roads are almost nonexistent. Bridges which are a basic requirement for people of hilly areas are not available. Even after more than 70 years of independence these areas remain backward with the basic human facility lacking.
Forests which were an asset of that area are depleting day by day. These should be saved to avoid natural calamities. Including soil erosion. Battagram and the adjoining areas was one of the areas affected by the earthquake of October 8, 2005 when more than 4,500 people were killed and approximately 35,000 were injured only in Battagram.
Many residents of the area were rendered homeless and without shelter. Since October 8, 2005, the NGOs and the governmental organization Trying to play their part in the rehabilitation but much more is required to be done.
We need to provide basic facilities to the people of the area.We need to develop Battagram Kohistan and torghar They are not only rich in minerals also Its natural resources need to be utilized for the betterment of the country .
According to a report titled,”Mineral Deposits of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA (Pakistan) “ Kohistan contains anomalous traces of copper, lead, zinc, antimony and gold .I saw minerals like copper in raw form on the roadside in abundance. On inquiry I was told that they are taken to our neighboring country where they are processed. Which indeed is a very sorry state of affairs.
Agriculture, horticulture sector of the area has the ability to generate revenues. They are not only rich in minerals but also have a lot of water and fish. With proper storage facilities for water and small dams it can not only provide much required electricity, but also business to the locals of the area to cater for their financial needs. With proper planning and investment it can serve as a Goldmine for Pakistan.
The historical significance of the area cannot be denied . locals of the area would tell you stories about syed Ahmed shaheed baralvi . The people of the area are simple, loving and full of life. You can get the best white honey from Ally.
Unfortunately, till today we have just cut the trees that are available in abundance in those areas. The forests require to be protected by taking practical measures. We have to develop those areas in the lager interest of our beloved country. It will not only develop tourism but we’re also on much required foreign exchange for our country. It is time to pay attention to the neglected areas of the country.
At the end I would hope that government should announce a reward for those heroes who have saved the precious lives. Hats off to the small boys.
