Naseebyar Chagharzai

BUNER: The scenic beauty of Shaheeda Sar in Chagharzai area of Buner has increased manifold after heavy snowfall in the area.

Shaheeda Sar in Chagharzai tehsil has got a unique status due to its attractive scenery. The area is situated near the central Swari Bazaar of the district and easily accessible from there. This picturesque spot is also unique because besides the snow-covered mountains of Shangla and Torghar districts, K-2, the world’s second highest mountain, is also visible from this spot.

A local resident, Zahid said while talking to TNN that the temperature of Shaheeda Sar remains below 20 degrees centigrade even during June-July. Shaheeda Sar is situated at the border of Shangla district, 43 kilometres north of Swari Bazaar. A road has also passed through the mountain in Shaheeda Sar and the whole Shangla district depends on this road.

Farhan, another local resident, told TNN that construction work on the road was initiated two and a half years ago. He said the original length of the road was supposed to be 18 kilometres. He said the road became victim of shortage of funds and still debris has not been lifted from various spots where the road has been cut. He said the people of Shangla and Chagharzai are facing difficulties due to stoppage of work on the important road project. Farhan said the poor condition of the road has also affected tourism in the area.

The local people said the number of tourists to the area during snowfall season has significantly reduced during the last two years mainly because of poor condition of the road. However, there are still many tourists, who can’t resist the temptation of visiting the area due to its attractive scenery. They said it is a matter of grave concern for the locals that such a beautiful area lacks basic facilities due to which tourists face difficulties.

A tourist said a hospital should be established in the area so that the tourists could go there in case of any emergency. The local people said the District Headquarters Hospital is 45 kilometres away from Shaheeda Sar. They said there is a regional health centre (RHC) in the area, but it has no facilities. They said the government making tall claims about promotion of tourism must also pay attention to Shaheeda Sar which has great tourism potential. They demanded provision of funds for road and hospital without delay.