SWAT: The Upper Swat Development Authority has reopened the Kalam road for traffic within 24 hours using heavy machinery. Director General of the Upper Swat Development Authority and Deputy Commissioner Swat, Shehzad Mahboob, stated that all resources will be utilized to keep the routes to tourist destinations open in order to promote tourism in Swat.
According to the spokesperson of the Upper Swat Development Authority, a landslide and flooding in streams had washed away a temporary bridge and passageway at Jaal Banar and Qarando near Kalam in the Bahrain Tehsil of Swat. Following the directives of Director General and Deputy Commissioner Shehzad Mahboob, Deputy Director Karamat Ali Khan immediately deployed heavy machinery to clear the debris and start the restoration work. The road from Jaal Banar was cleared and reopened for all types of traffic the next day. Additionally, the restoration of the temporary bridge near Qarando was expedited, and the Kalam to Bahrain road was reopened within 24 hours.
The spokesperson added that the Director General of the Upper Swat Development Authority and the Deputy Commissioner Swat have instructed all institutions and district administration to remain alert to ensure the routes to tourist spots remain open. He emphasized that a large number of tourists from across the country are visiting Swat during this summer season, and any negligence by relevant institutions in keeping these routes open will result in legal action as per provincial government directives.
