Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change and Environment Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam, has emphasized the urgent need for robust waste management strategies to protect the sensitive ecosystem of Deosai National Park.
During a meeting with former Senator and Wildlife Ambassador (Hon) Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari who called on her, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator highlighted critical issues affecting the Deosai National Park, including solid waste generation by visitors, overgrazing by livestock and resource shortages.
She emphasized that the park’s ecosystem is at risk due to the lack of a comprehensive waste management plan.
She urged the authorities concerned to put in place a strong waste management strategy to address the problems faced by the Deosai National Park.
Alam emphasized that a well-planned waste management system would not only protect the biodiversity of the park but also promote sustainable tourism and support the local community.
She suggested banning single-use plastic items in the park and raising awareness among visitors to address this environmental challenge.
He noted that the park generates substantial revenue from visitors, with only 25% of the park’s revenue available to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). To improve park management, DFO should be given more autonomy to rationalize spending and develop an annual plan.
Leghari recommended to start road maintenance from Chillam to Sadpara Check Post, provide special monthly parcels to post office in Deosai, new uniforms suitable for summer and winter, increase wildlife protection staff in Deosai, provide basic arms and POL Support for effective surveillance and anti-poaching efforts.
He also proposed to relocate the Chilam Checkpost near Sheosar Lake and shift the Sadpara Checkpost to Ali Malik Top to improve accessibility and convenience for visitors to Deosai National Park.
