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SDC and AVDP ink ToP for development project

By Zahiruddin

CHITRAL: Swiss Agency for Development and cooperation (SDC) and Ayun and (Kalash) Valleys Development Programme (AVDP) signed a terms of project (ToP) here on Monday for the swift development of the Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Rumboor and Birir. The project is meant to bring the Kalash valleys at par with the other parts of the district and provide livelihood to the poverty-stricken Kalash people. The project will encompass all the sectors of development like health, education, communication, agriculture, environment and tourism but without jeopardizing the cultural entity of the Kalash people who possess a unique culture, it was decided on the occasion. Regional coordinator of SDC Khalid Hussain and chairman of AVDP Rehmat Ilahi inked the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations while regional programme manager of Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) Engineer Sardar Ayub was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Khalid Hussain and Sardar Ayub said that AVDP was the first ever local support organization in the district which has been entrusted to carry out development activities on such a large scale. They said that Kalash people are suffering from abject poverty on one hand and the preservation of their culture and traditions is another challenge. They said that the project will ensure sustainable development of the Kalash valleys and help raise the standard of life of the people. They said that valley of Birir will be made a model valley and its choice has been made due to its more backwardness and the fact that Kalash culture is present in its original form in this valley. They said that the forest of the valleys will be given due importance for their protection and development which are on the way of depletion over the years. For the promotion of tourism in the valleys, special initiatives will be launched which will provide fabulous opportunities of self-employment to the people in the valley, they said. Mohkamuddin of AVDP also expressed his views on the occasion.