SWAT: Swat, once hailed as the `Switzerland of Pakistan`, has seen a surge in tourism in recent years. However, this influx has come at a steep environmental cost, with growing concerns among local residents and environmental activists abouttherecklessbehaviourof tourists, coupled with the district administration`s lack of action in maintaining the region`s natural beauty.

This year, a record number of tourists from across the country have visited various scenic spots, including Malam Jabba, Kalam, Mankiyal, Utror, Matiltan, Gabin Jabba, Madyan, Bahrain, Taip Banda, Kandol Lake and many other sites.

While tourism is widely expected to provide financial benefits to the region, many haveexpressedconcernsthatit has instead led to increasing chaos, mounting piles of waste, and overall environmental degradation. They pointed out that famous tourist sites like Mahodand Lake, Ushu Forest, Kandol Lake, and the more recently popular sites of Jabba in Mankial and Taip Banda have seen huge innuxes of tourists, but they have also contributed to pollution in the form of plastic waste and garbage.

The environmental activists have raised alarms, urging tourists to adopt more responsible behaviour when visiting the region. They have called on visitors to refrain from littering, highlighting that the once pristine landscapes are now being tarnished by heaps of plastic, wrappers, and other waste left behind by tourists.

`The situation is dire,` Nazir Khan, a local activist, commented, `If this continues,these beautiful sites will eventually become nothing more than trash heaps.

Local residents and environmental activists have also criticised the district administration for its apparent lack of involvement in maintaining cleanliness and implementing eco-tourism protocols at the popular tourist spots. They argue that the district officials have failed to take adequate measures to manage the increased number of visitors and maintain the integrity of Swat`s natural sites. The locals point out that the administration does not appear to show any genuine interest in keeping these sites clean or ensuring that environmental guidelines are strictly enforced.The lack of proper waste management systems and the absence of eco-friendly tourism initiatives have only exacerbated the situation. `The district administration`s negligence is evident, and if this continues, we are at risk of losing our natural heritage,` said Amjad Ali, a local environmental activist.

Another point of contention for the activists is the district administration`s approval of jeepable trackstothese serene locations. Activists are advocating for a ban on such tracks and urge the government to prioritise walking treks instead. `If the government is truly committed to preserving these sites, it should focus on eco-friendly tourism that doesnot disturb the natural environment,` said Iqbal Ahmad, an activist. `Walking treks, while more challenging, allow tourists to experience the serenity of the environment without disrupting it. We cannot afford to sacrifice our natural beauty for the sake of convenience.

These concerns echo a growing movement in eco-tourism, where countries around the world are embracing sustainable practices. Destinations such as Bhutan and New Zealand have successfully implemented policies that promote responsible tourism by limiting visitor numbers, enforcing waste management protocols, and prioritising the conservation of local ecosys-tems.

Swat, despite its immense potential, appears to be on a concerning path. If the district administration does not take immediate steps to implement effective environmental regulations and educate tourists on responsible practices, the region`s most prized natural gems could soon be lost to neglect and overexploitation.

It is crucial that both local authorities and the federal government recognise the urgency of the situation and take action before Swat`s environment suffers irreparable damage. A balance between tourism and environmental conservation is not just necessary it is imperative for the future of Swat`s natural heritage.