UPPER DIR: A group of students and teachers from the Government College University, Lahore, visited the scenic Kumrat valley and demonstrated various tasks aimed at promoting ecotourism in Upper Dir district.

Invited by the district administration, the students and their teachers along with the locals collected litter thrown by tourists and planted saplings at various points to create awareness among people about importance of keeping environment clean and preserving forests.

Dr Iraf ana Liaqat and Hafiz Munir Ahmed led the group.

Assistant commissioner, Sheringal, Mohammad Saqib Khan said the group was invited on the instructions of Malakand division commissioner Riaz Mehsud and deputy commissioner Khalid Iqbal Khattak for the purpose of promotion of tourism. He said the visit was also part of starting activities under the Upper Dir`s volunteer task force (VTF) programme. The 39-member group was also registered with the VTF. He said a detailed plan for various activities was chalked out by the deputy commissioner.

The visiting students and teachers briefed the VTF members about the importance of cleanliness and plantation and role of the district administration in promotion of tourism.

The visitors were informed about the socio-economic and cultural profile of the area, and the tourist f acilitation number (TFN) established by the district administration.

The group members thanked the district administration for inviting and making them part of VTF. They said they would visit the district regularly and would also invite others to come see the scenic spots to help promote ecotourism in Upper Dir.

Later, a certificate distribution ceremony was held at Barikot to motivate the female and male students and community members towards taking environment-friendly actions.

The visitors were given a briefing about the tourist spots in Barikot. Correspondent