Trouble in paradise
MINGORA:
The scenic Swat valley, which is considered the ‘Switzerland of Pakistan’ is gradually losing its natural beauty due to environmental degradation caused by deforestation, air pollution, water contamination, soil erosion, population explosion, urbanisation, industrialisation, use of plastic bags, noise pollution and climate change.
Swat has been at the epicentre of many man-made tragedies and natural calamities. Be it extremism or disasters, there is no calamity that has not already descended upon Swat valley.
The 2010 floods that wreaked havoc in Swat valley was a warning for taking measures to protect the delicate ecological balance of the region. Deforestation and unplanned urbanisation has already stressed the ecology of the region.