ABBOTTABAD: Due to the negligence of concerned departments, the famous picnic spot Harno has turned into a massive dumping site.
Tourists are throwing waste and leftover food directly into the once-pristine Harno River. Additionally, most of the hotels and restaurants along the riverbank are discharging their drainage waste into the river, severely polluting the clean water and creating a serious environmental hazard. Harno, one of the most popular natural picnic spots in the region, is known for its flowing spring water from the lush green areas of Galiyat. It attracts hundreds, sometimes thousands, of visitors daily, seeking relief from the scorching summer heat by spending time in the cold spring water, where traditional charpoys placed in the river offer a unique experience to dip feet in the cool water and relax.
However, for the past several months, the district administration, the Environment Department, and the Fisheries Department—responsible for maintaining the area’s cleanliness—have failed to fulfill their duties.
