DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The provincial government has decided to strictly enforce rules and regulations to promote sustainable tourism and ensure environmental protection across the province.
The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, regarding the performance of development authorities established for various tourist areas, said a handout.
Senior officials from the Tourism Department and development authorities participated in the meeting. The meeting reviewed master plans, land use plans, building control codes, and the overall performance of the development authorities.
The authorities under review included Galiyat Development Authority, Kaghan Development Authority, Kalash Development Authority, Kumrat Development Authority, and Upper Swat Development Authority.
The meeting also assessed violations of sewage and drainage regulations by hotels and restaurants in tourist areas, along with their environmental impact.
The Chief Secretary directed strict action against violators and emphasized that there should be zero tolerance for breaches of environmental laws. To curb illegal and haphazard constructions, the Chief Secretary ordered a temporary ban on issuing NOCs for building construction in certain areas of Swat, Galiyat, and Kumrat. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah stressed the importance of strict implementation of environmental standards in tourist zones. He highlighted the need for preparing master plans to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection, preventing unplanned construction.
The meeting resolved to prioritize the completion of master plans and land use plans for tourist areas, improve monitoring mechanisms, and further strengthen the capacity of development authorities.
The Urban Policy Unit (UPU) has been tasked with overseeing master planning and land use planning in line with modern requirements. It was noted that Kalash Development Authority has already completed its master plan, while Galiyat Development Authority is planning to organize a stakeholders’ conference to implement sewage and sanitation regulations.
The Chief Secretary instructed that all stakeholders associated with the tourism sector be taken on board and informed that the government’s actions would promote business and investment in tourist areas, ultimately benefiting the local population.
The government aims to enhance investment and business opportunities by ensuring environmental preservation in tourist destinations. He also reviewed the financial performance of the development authorities and emphasized that tourism development must bring economic benefits to the local population. Furthermore, he directed that monthly review meetings be held to evaluate the performance of the development authorities
