Fifty buildings violating construction laws within the jurisdiction of the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) have been issued notices today, marking a significant step in the wider campaign to restore the region’s tourist spots.
This action is part of a comprehensive initiative to upgrade the tourist destinations of District Abbottabad, including Galiyat, Thandiani, Ayubia, and Circle Bakote, to international standards.
Saadat Hassan, the Secretary of Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, confirmed that promoting tourism is a primary goal of the provincial government. Speaking to the media at the GDA office, he stated that the sector is being modernized through technology, including artificial intelligence.
To regulate development work, a master plan has been formulated by restructuring the laws under the Building Control Act 2016. Mr. Hassan explained that seven towns have been established under the GDA, while separate legislation is necessary to address illegal constructions in the ten union councils of Lora, Bagan, and Bakote.
A major focus of the restoration program is the rehabilitation of the Ayubia Chairlift. This project, described as a long-standing issue and an identity of the GDA, is expected to generate an annual revenue of 47 crore rupees. A revenue-sharing agreement with the Wildlife and Forest Department has also been finalized.
Director General GDA, Muhammad Fawad, announced that significant infrastructure work is underway. A tender for the repair of the Nathiagali-Bakote road has been issued, and work is set to begin soon.
Additionally, 47 crore and 10 lakh rupees have been allocated for solid waste management and sewerage schemes in all seven towns of Galiyat, and a work order has been issued. Mr. Fawad mentioned that the CDA model has been adopted for these projects, while NESPAK has been appointed as a consultant to ensure adherence to engineering principles. Modern sewerage systems are being established in each town to protect local forests from environmental pollution.
Negotiations with the government for major investment in the Thandiani area have also been completed.
During the briefing, journalists suggested creating lakes at various locations to preserve the natural water of Garang Nala. The issue of a water quota for Circle Galiyat from the Dunga Gali to Murree supply line was also discussed.
The briefing was attended by Director General GDA Muhammad Fawad, Assistant Director Engineer Arsalan Shaukat, Assistant Director Babar Hanan Abbasi, Assistant Director Ahsan Hameed, Media Manager Saif-ur-Rehman, and other senior officials.