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Control on building in Kalash valley demanded

By Zahiruddin

CHITRAL: The uncontrolled construction of buildings in the scenic Kalash valley of Bumburate is causing to denude of its natural beauty as the plain and cultivable land is already in acute shortage in the valley, the locals said while talking to chitraltimes.com here on Saturday. They said that as compared to the other two Kalash valleys of Birir and Rumbur, the Bumburate is going to be congested by human settlements due to its vastness and superb natural beauty and the fact that most of the Kalash cultural heritage is also concentrated here. The stream of water flow across the valley longitudinally dividing it into two halves which are reclined to dense forests of chirr and deodar giving it a captivating view. The residents complained that the cultivable land in the valley is shrinking fast with each year as more and more buildings are erected on the plains mostly for commercial purpose. They said that a tourist visits the valley to enjoy himself of the natural beauty while he has no interest in the structures of cement and steel. Some Kalash elders said that they were more conscious about land use in the valley which is testified by their settlements which are situated not in the plain but in sloppy and rocky lands. The Kalash used the piece of land for construction purpose which cannot be used for growing crops or trees. Most of the government departments including Chitral Scouts have erected their rest houses in the valley while many non-governmental organizations have also penetrated into the valley. The locals said that the number of hotels in the valley is quite more than the proportion of tourists visiting the area while during the recent years, some of the hotels are facing closure for want of tourists. They said that the galore of walnut trees add to the beauty of the valley but they also faced axe for construction of more buildings. The Kalash people derive their sustenance out of farming and cattle farming but they said that as a result of the building activities, they are losing their very source of livelihood. When asked why they allowed the outsiders to construct buildings in the valley, they said that the Kalash people did sold their pieces of land in the recent past due to their abject poverty. There should be local legislature to put a ban on erection of commercial buildings in the valley, the local demanded to save the future of the valley.