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Neelum Valley Is Becoming Rent-Free For A Week But Will It Remain Pollution Free After That?

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The Monsoon season has begun and what a time it is to travel up North to witness the breathtaking views mountains rising above dark clouds, roads becoming foggy and dark due to clouds falling on them, chilling weather settling in the valleys and of course, gushing river racing down to the South. No one can stay away from such views and experience, and it is not a surprise why Pakistan’s northern tourism industry is gradually flourishing. In the wake of all this, and to the fact that Pakistan would soon be celebrating its 70 years of independence, the Neelum Valley administration has decided to come up with a celebration of their own.

Source: Talha W

Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Mohammad Fareed spoke about the recent ban on Neelum valley tours due to a security situation that took place. About four soldiers drowned along with a military vehicle after it received fire from mortar shells across the LoC. Now that the ban has been lifted and tourists are welcomed to visit the 200-km long valley once again, the deputy commissioner also said that Neelum Valley would observe a rent-free free from August 1 till 7 as a gesture of hospitality towards Pakistani tourists and the independence. Hotels are advised not to charge room rents, and tourists would only pay for food, transport, and other necessities.

Source: Talha W

This news is spreading on social media and as it does, it most likely the Neelum valley will become booked for the week. Hundreds of people will move towards one of the greenest places in Pakistan, in order to enjoy the cold weather and night-time bonfire shenanigans. When these people would leave, it is an absolute fact that Neelum will not remain as scenic as it would be the week before the start of August.

Pools of garbage, plastic bottles and wrappers would be thrown inside river and river streams, Humps of leftover food will be left to rot. Even on hiking tracks, where the greenery and the view are everything, Lays wrappers and soft drink bottles would be found. This will take weeks and month to clean up and more if we completely neglect our roll in that society.

Source: www.pamirtimes.net

 

For us, it may only be a week-long visit. For people who live there, it is a home to them and the greenery of the place matters to them more than it will ever matter to us. The mountains are their home and that is where they grew up. They would like to keep the place clean. Hence, before we set off at our next location, let us be mindful of throwing away our trash at proper bins and trash cans.

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