SWAT: Local environment activists have called on tourists to keep picnic spots clean by not leaving behind trash such as bottles, wrappers and plastic bags.

They urged visitors to take back the waste with them to preserve the natural beauty of tourist spots in Swat.

The residents of Bahrain and nearby hamlets have raised concerns over the litter left by tourists at the scenic Jabba and Tap C Baan resorts.

Tap C Baan meadows, situated at an hour journey from Jabba in Badai area of Mankiyal, are famous fortheir lush greenery, serene atmosphere and crystal-clear streams flowingthroughtheforestand pasture.

Environment activist and lawyer Malak Abrar from Bahrain said that plastic bottles and other litter left by tourists were contaminating the meadows and forest.

`Tourists bring soft drinks, food in plastic bags and snacks wrapped in plastic. They enjoy their meals but, unfortunately, leave waste behind on the lush green meadows, in the streams and around the trees, polluting the natural environment,` he lamented.

He alleged that tourists also fired in the air and played loud music at night, disrupting the peace and tranquility of the area.

`Such activities make the serene spots noisy and polluted. The loud music and firing in the air disturb locals,` said Malak Abdul Baqi, a resident of Ramait area who spends summers in Tap C Baan with his livestock.He recounted a frightening experience where he narrowly escaped a bullet during a nighttime walk.

Locals also reported that tourists often light fires near trees, damaging their trunks and increasing the risk of forest fire.

`These fires dry out trees, causing them to fall and potentially leading to forest fire,` said Ziaullah, another resident ofthe area.

Rahimullah, a local tourist guide, talked about his efforts to educate tourists about the importance of taking their waste with them. `It is disheartening to see plastic bags and waste everywhere.

Tap C Baan is one of the most beautiful meadows in Swat, but tourists are ruining it with their litter,` he said.

The activists and locals said that tourists should be more responsible and considerate, ensuring that they do not leave a negative impact on these pristine natural environments.