PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has imposed a temporary ban on new construction in major tourist destinations—including parts of Swat, Galiyat, and Kumrat—in a significant move aimed at curbing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable tourism.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah. The meeting reviewed ongoing violations of environmental and construction regulations, particularly focusing on illegal developments and poor sewage and waste disposal systems in hotels and restaurants.
Officials also assessed master plans and land-use frameworks of key development authorities including those of Galiyat, Kaghan, Kalash, Kumrat, and Upper Swat. The Chief Secretary ordered the immediate suspension of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for new constructions in selected areas and emphasized zero tolerance for breaches of environmental law.
“These steps are essential to preserve the natural beauty of KP’s top tourist regions,” said Shahab, adding that monthly progress reviews will ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
The government plans to expedite the finalization and enforcement of master and land use plans in all affected areas. The Kalash Development Authority has already completed its master plan, while the Galiyat Development Authority is set to organize a stakeholder conference focused on implementing sanitation and drainage regulations.
The Urban Policy and Planning Unit has been tasked with ensuring that all planning efforts align with modern sustainability standards. Authorities were also directed to build institutional capacity and improve monitoring systems to prevent future violations.
These measures were taken under the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, who has prioritized environmental protection as a cornerstone of the province’s tourism development strategy.
“The government is committed to promoting investment and business in tourism by ensuring the long-term conservation of our natural resources,” the Chief Secretary noted, assuring that the initiative would benefit local communities, businesses, and the broader economy.
