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MICRO-CASE STUDY ICIMOD-STCL

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BackgroundThe preparation of the Micro-case study and Training Module for Eco

tourism for Galyat area sponsored by ICIMOD (International Centre for

Integrated Mountain Development) was contracted to CG (Consultants

Group) by STCL (Sarhad Tourism Corporation Limited), which served as

the national collaborating Institution. This project is in progression of the

endeavour of ICIMOD initiated in 1993 in the context of Mountain

Tourism in the mountain ranges of Hindu Kush - Himalayas (HKH).

These mountain ranges of diverse and contrasting landscapes with the

highest peaks of the world have tremendous tourism assets and potentialfor development. Its physical majestic and beautiful command matches

well with the rich socio-cultural traditions of the local communities.

While ICIMOD sponsored the studies in the various countries unified by

HKH, STCL contracted three case-studies viz. in Chitral, Gilgit and Galyat

to three different Pakistan based consultants. This report focuses on issues

that emerged in Galyat. This is one of the nine micro case studies

conducted in different eco-zones and tourism types in HKH.

1.2 Study / Project ObjectiveHKH has tremendous potential for Mountain Tourism, which can provide

alternative, environmentally - friendly employment opportunities. Though

tourism is catching on in these areas, the promotion of tourism oriented

towards the sustainable economic, social and environmental development

of local communities has not been addressed adequately.

The objective of the study, which is participatory in nature, therefore, as an

overview, is to study the impact of tourism on local communities in

respect of Environmental, Economic, Socio-cultural and Gender aspects.

Of particular importance is to assess the situation with respect to tourismcarrying capacity at local level and subsequently prepare and develop an

Action cum Implementation Plan for the micro case study area. Following

which a training package would be put together to establish the capacity in

the various actors and identified institutions having a stake in the process.

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1.3 MethodologyIn preparing case study the following methodology has been adopted to

cover the aspects of environment, economy, socio-culture, community

development and gender within the context of sustainable mountain

tourism development. The micro case study as presented in the following

chapters portray the findings through a participatory method of enquiry.The process involved discussions with the stakeholders and also bouncing

of thoughts for the preparation of the action plan. The action plan talks

about the activities, intervention as well as the process, their linkages and

other factors that need to be looked at in the planning and management of

tourism for local community development in mountainous areas. This has

been prepared through a participatory approach involving most interest

groups, as much as possible. Moving beyond its operational value, this

plan serves to elucidate the planning process in the development of the

training modules. The study has been basically divided into three sections :

(I) Case study documentation,(II) Action Plan

(III) Training modules.

I) The case study preparation entails the following:

A) Participatory Data Collection by the field team through :

A.1) Interviews and discussions with :

- Communities

- Tourists

- Tour Operators

- Local shopkeepers, hoteliers, facility

managements

- NGOs active in the area

- Relevant government institutions/officials

(policy, planning & implemention)

A.2) Observations and Surveys :

- Existing markets / economic activity- Existing infrastructure (environmental and

social)

- Living conditions and housing

- Community activities

- Physical potentials and constraints

(including landscape and tourism assets)

- Accesses and egresses

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A.3) Visual Documentation

- Slides

- Photography

- Mapping

B) Documentation and synthesis of the data :

B.1) Data sifting and filtering

B.2) Data analysis

B.3) Editing of data

C) Formatting the data into a case presentation.

II) Action Plan

Propose / recommend an action plan to suggest both the process as

well as the activities in the planning and management of tourism

for local community development in mountain areas.

The activity components relate to promotion and development of

specific assets in the area, including physical infrastructure;

awareness generation of visitors and the locals; linkage of tourismwith local production and retention of tourist income locally;

environmental resource management for tourism benefit; social

infrastructure; institutional and financial support and resource.

III) The third part is geared towards preparation of training modules.

A) Assess the training need of the already identified target

groups.

- Policy planners

- Programme designers and implementors

- Local Community

- Visitors

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B) Training modules for each target group.

1.4 OutputsThe deliverable outputs of the entire study would again be in two parts.

- Report comprising of case study and action plan.

- Training Module with visuals.

fig 1

1.5 Report PresentationTo give a flavour of the methodology the report is being presented with an

overall background information about the area followed by the chapterdiscussing the environmental, physical, economic, socio-cultural and

gender issues in the case study area.

The next chapter sets the scene for external factors for the development of

an Action/Implementation Plan followed by activity component of the

action plan and intervention.

DATA

COLLECTION

DOCUMENTATION &

SYNTHESIS

Data System

Data Analysis

Data Editing

Case Study

Presentation

Action Plan

Training Module

O

U

T

PU

T

S

INTERVIEWS

OBSERVATIONS

&SURVEY

PHOTOGRAPHS

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2. GENERAL BACKGROUND AND TOURISM

ASSETS OF GALYAT

2.1 General ProfileThe broad geographical area identified by STCL for the purpose of the

study was Galyat. Galyat is plural forGali an urdu term meaning narrow

lane. Galyat is physically a conglomeration of variousgalis in Abbottabad

District. It is accessible from Islamabad (the capital city) in the south

through Murree and alternately from the west, from the town of

Abbottabad. Galyats general location can be pictured in terms of Kaghan

valley in the north, Azad Kashmir in the East, Islamabad in the south and

Abbottabad town in the west. Its population of 430,000 persons is spread

over an area of 976 sq. Km. (figs 2 & 3)

Galyat is blessed with scenic natural beauty of mountainous environment

with ground cover and densely populated trees. It serves as a respite, in

the summer, for people from the plains. Some of the popular hill station

galis of Galyat are Nathiagali, Dunga gali, Bara Gali, Khairan Gali and has

areas such as Kalabagh (mostly owned by Armed Forces) and Ayubia.

Galyats settlement is characterised by native Hazara residents who have

occupied parcels of land for housing and subsistence agriculture.

Commercial land holding is mainly for the purpose to be built upon -

shops, hotels etc. The commercial and residential areas have a clear

geographical demarcation. The population is pre-dominantly Muslim andabide closely to the laws ofpurdah for women. The education and health

facilities do not respond to the needs of the widespread community.

The community relies heavily on outside income or on seasonal tourism.

Some member of the family lives outside Galyat typically during non-

tourist season. The locals have less investments in the area in terms of

facility ownership such as shops, rest houses and hotels. Most are hired

helps as managers, cooks, drivers and porters. The income in this case is

seasonal. The services are priced a little high to compensate for the

seasonal earning.

The Hazara Hill Tract Improvement Trust (HHTIT) is the main

government institution looking after the development and municipal

works in Galyat. The utility is charged and maintained by line agencies

specially for electricity and telephones. The HHTIT is instrumental in land

transactions and development.

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fig 2

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fig 3

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fig 4

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2.2 Case Study Area DefinitionFor the purpose of the micro-case study, Nathiagali was selected as it is

the most popular and perhaps has the largest bazaar. The local community

of Nathiagali reside in the lower area called Mallach which consist of

many small settlements. Our survey included the communities ofJansah,

Tepri, Saher, Kanseasah, Kalaband, Sukha Khas and Badyhar. This has apopulation of approximately 20,000 household. (fig 4)

Nathiagali was developed mostly during the British colonial period and it

served as a major summer rest place for the rich, noble and government

officers. Not only did they construct private rest houses and trekking

routes, but also built the required infrastructure. It, in fact, served as an

alternate summer capital. Initially Murree was patronised and developed

but with passage of time, as the human traffic increased, Nathiagali

became popular among the elite and those in search of peace and

tranquillity.

With the sloping roof bungalows constructed in wood, the palatial

Governor house, the wooden church, set along the rolling slopes present

the setting of Little England which perhaps made the colonial rulers feel

very much at home. An ideal place to relax and recuperate, it presents

opportunities for exercise through walks and mountain pony rides.

2.3 Recreation and LeisureThe place has great aesthetic appeal and enchanting beauty for the

recreation of tourists and other visitors. The marvelous forests, majestictrees of conifers and lush green carpeting of various types of grasses with

in between flowers of different colors in summer alongwith the wildbirds

and animals are great sources for tourist attraction. The area is sufficiently

accessed through metalled roads and a network of bridal paths and tracks.

Main attraction in Galyat is the walking tracks which make use of the

contours and scenic value. These are of various categories to cater to the

adventurous trekkers, aspiring youths and causal exercise of muscles for

the old, families and general tourists.

2.4 TopographyIn general, the area is rugged with steep slopes. The main ridge is

interrupted by lateral spurs and nullahs creating many side valleys. The

highest peaks in the area are Miranjani (2,980 m) and Mukshpuri

(2,820m).

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2.5 ClimateThe high altitude shapes the climate of the area. Having temperate climate

influenced by monsoon rainfall, the summers are moderate, while the

winters are severe with heavy snowfall from mid December to mid March.

Average annual precipitation ranges from 1,200-1,640 mm. Temperaturesrange from below zero in January (coldest month) to over 26 C in June

(warmest month).

2.6 ForestsThe forests of Galyat are located on a range of hills running north-south

for a length of about 39 km. Nathiagali, Dunga gali and Thandiani hill

stations lie in the central part of the forests. The entire area of forest

reserve is drained into Jhelum river in the east, Haro Dur in the west and

Kunhar river in the north.

The reserved forests originally surveyed and demarcated in 1877 is now

divided into four ranges : Dunga Gali (5,336 ha), Bagnatar (4,563 ha),

Thandiani (2,484 ha) and Biran gali (3,174 ha).

2.7 GeologyFormations of thick limestone, shales and sandstones range in age from

Triassic to Eocene. These are well developed and intimately folded with

rocks of Hazara formation in Nathiagali, Mahujan and Pattan areas. Infra-

Trias formations with narrow bands of trias and Jurrasic-cretaceous rocks

are found in Dunga gali range as far as Murree.

2.8 Water Supply and WatershedApart from considerable watershed importance, the forests contain a

number of springs which provide water supply to local inhabitants and

through pipelines to the towns of Muree, Abbotabad, Barian, Nathiagali

and Lagal Ban areas. But the quantity is insufficient and not available at

all times. Piped water supply at the door step is only for the tourists to the

hill station. The local communities go through a rigorous process of earlymorning rounds of water collection at appreciable distances at the streams

or community taps.

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2.9 Tourism Assets

2. 9.1 Tourism Traffic Flow and FacilitiesNathiagali, once the alternate summer capital of the British,

provides a tranquil ambience surrounded by various peaks which

fall under HKH region. It attracts domestic/local tourists in

summer. There is no system of information relay nor publicity

campaign to attract foreign tourists. In fact, during our study we

came across a British couple who categoricelly stated that they had

never heard of Nathiagali and Galyat. It was when they were not

getting the flights to the Northern Areas did someone recommend

to them the possibility of coming to Nathiagali. This shows a total

lack of interest towards tourism development in the area.

According to a survey report (Tourism in Murree and Galyat 1985)

only 0.9% of the tourists were foreigners. Since Murree is also

included the number to Nathiagali may be discounted further.

The tourist accommodation in this area consisted of hotels, rest

houses and privately rented places. In the bazar area there are 17

hotels out of which 14 are local owners. In the upper areas only

two are locally owned while about 8-10 are from outside Galyat.

Rest houses are either rented out or used by friends. The level of

hygiene and cleanliness is a major issue. About 60-65% hotels

change the linen only with the change of guests (whether a day, a

week or more. On special request the change could become more

frequent). It then went to twice a week with a very low percentageopting for daily change. Availability of hot water in most of the

hotels are restricted to certain hours of the day. These hotels,

inspite of lack of proper facilities, are expensive for both

accommodation and food. Since the tourist season spreads over

four months with heavy traffic for two months, the facility owners

do tend to overcharge to make profits for sustenance throughout

the year.

2.9.2 The PeaksMiranjani peak is at a height of 2,981 m. It is about 8 k.m. away

from Nathiagali and requires the traversing of steep slope on adifficult track, which is recommended for adventure seekers only.

Along the way are several spots of scenic beauty; no information or

distances are marked and rest facilities are non existent. Crossing

Miranjani is a 44 k.m, track leading to Thandiani, with a famous

Dak Bungla stop at Dagri, some 10 k.m. away from Miranjani.

These are for serious trekkers only.

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Makshpuri peak, at a height of 2,817 m is approached from

Nathiagali through a badly weathered and beaten track. After the

rains the higher level becomes impossibly slippery. There are two

rain shelters along this track but no other facilities such as drinking

water, information and distance marking, emergency posts etc.

exist. The name Makshpuri comes from the wordMakmeaning abeautiful face. The challenging walk to Makshpuri peak is through

a dense forest over ridges, across the meadows by the lake, till the

peak is reached. On a clear day the sliver streaks of river Jhelum,

the snow covered ranges of Pir Paryal and Nanga Parbat are

visible.

2. 9.3 Ayubia National ParkThe National Park is a protected area under the Wildlife

Department. All work carried out in this area were contracted out

by the Wildlife Department. It has provided facilities such as

sitting benches, rain shelters, toilets and protection fencing alongthe track. Ayubia named after General Ayub Khan, (who was the

President of the country from 1958-68) planned the first chair lift

in this area. The chair ride provides a breathtaking ride over the

protected park (forest).

A track along the National Park popularly known as the pipeline

track provides a good opportunity for families to enjoy the dense

forest with beautiful view of mountains in the far distance. The

walk does tend to get slippery during rain and cause minor

landslides. However, contrary to other tracks this has a warning of

falling stones. In all, there are 13 rain shelters, two toilets (in

absolutely pathetic state) and protection fences along 50% of the

route.

According to the Wildlife Department the following species of

wildlife are present in the protected area :

( 1) Koklass Pheasants

( 2) Chukor

( 3) Kestrel

( 4) Forest Eagle Owl( 5) White Creted Kallai Pheasant

( 6) Himalayan Barred Owlet

( 7) Shikra

( 8) Blue Magpie

( 9) Indian Cuckoo

(10) Tree Pie

(11) Himalayan Pied Woodpecker

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(12) Golden Oriole

(13) Black Bulbul

(14) Redvented Bulbul

(15) Whitenecked Bulbul

(16) Scarlet Minivet

(17) Blue Headed Rock Thrush(18) Yellow Wagtail

(19) Black Bird

(20) Pied Buschat

(21) Purple Sunbird

(22) Red Pumped Swallow

(Source : Wildlife Department)

2. 9.4 Nathiagali and LalazarNathiagali itself is picturesque and gives opportunity of pleasant

walks and horse rides. With its few hotels and rest houses it

presents a peaceful environment for the city dwellers. Lalazar isalso one of the prettiest areas moving from Nathiagali towards

Makshpuri. These are areas for nature lovers and respite seekers.

2. 9.5 Potentials and FacilitiesSince the area has been bestowed with natures bounty there are

tremendous potentials for development. Tracks that were

developed were done during the British rule. Existing facilities are

not adequate and locals have hardly any share in it. Whatever

conscientious efforts from the government and sincere attempts for

development in tourism industry would also impact the localcommunities to their benefit. At present STCL has engaged

consultants to study the feasibility of introducing trekking and

camping facilities at Galyat among other feasibilities. This does

shown an inclination and desire to improve the tourism industry.

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3. CASE STUDY AREAIMPLICATIONS OF TOURISM IN NATHIAGALI

3.1 Physical

3.1.1 Access Roads and BridgesMetalled roads exist from the south and the west of Galyat. In the

south the road from Islamabad is in extremely good condition upto

Murree (which is now an extremely over crowded, heavily

commercialised hill station). After Murree the road is not as well

maintained and upon entering the NWFP province, due to frequent

landslides, the roads are generally under repair. In some places

roads are being widened. The road coming in from the west has

been under construction i.e. widening of certain portions andmetalling of certain patches for the last 3-4 years. Unfortunately

the work taking place during the tourist season (which in any case

is limited to 4 months) and during traffic hours tries the patience of

the tourists to its elastic limit. The blasting of mountains for road

widening and then clearance tend to hold up traffic for hours even,

which can be quite annoying.

If common sense prevails the roads would not be blocked at odd

hours but be limited to off peak hours, usually early hours of the

morning, or through local radios announce the road closure

schedule. Understanding of such small issues go a long way in

attracting tourist or detering them.

Though access roads exist for tourists coming to the hill station,

the vehicular access for communities to their location is virtually

non-existent. No formal walkways or footpaths have been

provided for approaching the residences of the locals. The only

means is the path emerging out of the regular movement of the

people which in local language is temmedpagdandi .

This is of extreme significance as in case of emergencies (health orotherwise) there is no speedy access. It also has a latent message in

terms of development. The community is not part of the

mainstream development, in fact, it is quite removed from the

overall development benefits even for tourists. The stake holders

complain that the number of tourists has dropped to almost half

since the start of construction of this road.

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The roads in Galyat have been built along the contours and there

are no rivers in the area. The bridges that exist are only over the

small nullahs and drains. Some of these can hamper or facilitate

the movement of vehicles and do require regular maintanence. The

means of road building through use of dynamites can be quite

detrimrntal in the long run as this can be of great environmentalrisk. The rocks tend to loosen up which over seasonal changes

cause landslides. In places where the mountains are soft there

should be no reason not to avoid blasting. The mountain cutting

does not consider the damage that is caused to the environment.

The trees are uprooted and at times the roots are exposed

rendering the tree weak and liable to fall at any time. These are also

ruthlesscal interventions harming the nature with consequential

environmental and physical damage. Unfortunately there are no

stringent measures to check such actions. The designing of roads

should be vetted with respect to the site. The people involved from

top to the worker on road is not even aware of the consequencesof their activities/actions. An EIA for all such activities should also

be carried out in addition to training of the relevant personnel.

3.1.2 Utilities

3.1.2.1 Water Supply

The residents of the area mainly depend on the streams or

community taps for water collection. (fig. 5) Early morning

trips by the women and girls of the community mark the

beginning of household chores. In the absence of piped

water supply the community has no choice but to walk the

distance to the stream or the closest community tap and

carry back the water filled utensils in the very tough terrain.

Through practice these contoured uneven and steep paths

have become easy to manouver, for them.

(69.6%)

(30.4%)

Boys attending school

Girls attending school

fig. 5

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To the elitist guest/rest houses in the upper area and in

Nathiagali bazar water is supplied from the source of Khun

Kha, built by the British. Very little improvement has been

made with virtually no upgradation over time in spite of

increasing population. Interestingly water supply is diverted

to the government and elitist rest houses if VIPs spend timein Nathiagali and the local hotels become dry which in turn

harms their business.

The water from the streem are liable to contamination as

these are used by animals for drinking at different points

and also as they are unprotected and can have anything

dumped into it. This is an environmental and health hazard.

3.1.2.2 Electricity

As part of the mass electrification scheme, the villages in

Galyat received the facility. But at present the distributionis very poor. The wires hang from trees at places instead of

the poles and the supply is intermittent. The design and

installation of the system is not appropirate to the Galyat

climate.

Even though electricity may be cut off or shut down for

days or supply be limited to a few hours the bills received

by the community seems to be based on imagination of

WAPDA. The community is however, thankful to have

this service.

3.1.2.3 Telecommunication

In Galyat telephone link remain suspended for days without

any genuine attempt by the agencies to restore the lines.

Without telephones one is periliously lost and hotel owners

are extremely frustrated as they cannot cater to their clients

demands. However, with cellular phones awailable some

of the well-off tourists bring in their own facility.

3.1.3 Built EnvironmentThe general trend in construction has been the use of timber and

stone. The old structures present a case of excellent workmanship,

a skill which seems to have slipped considerably.

Even the local houses use the same material with no regard

towards the strength of the materials or their optimum usage.

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The roofs are either sloping or flat with a gradient. The sloping

roofs have the wooden trusses to support the galvanised iron (G. I.)

sheets which twinkle as sun rays smile upon them. The flat roofs

have interlocking system of wood with a layer of mud screed to

provide protection.

The houses generally are a combination of multipurpose rooms

with a designated space for the kitchen. Most of the houses do not

have toilets. The space which is entered first may also serve as the

main room for the guest or lead to an adjecent guest room. As

there is a strong purdah system the male and female guests are

quickly filtered through and enter the designated rooms. As the

climate tends towards cold and extreme cold, the houses mostly

have indoor spaces with of course an outer court which may be

used for a couple of months in summer. The household members

intermingle well with the chickens that are present in every

household. In winter the snow tends to build-up outside themaindoors restricting the movement of the residents.

In Galyat the man made structures consist of houses, hotels, rest

houses, shops, rain shelters and the like.

3.2 EnvironmentNatures gift is the environment in the area, abuse of which in turn is

rejection of Nature. According to the Holy Quran, human beings are sent

as stewards to guard Gods beauty (life) which is an amanat(asset lent in

trust to be returned any time, as was lent) and not ownership. Thus what

human beings do not realise is that the environment is to be protected and

guarded and not misused or abused as we dont have rights over it but are

allowed to enjoy and use it while on this earth.

3.2.1 TimberTimber/wood is the main component for construction and fuel. Of

course, the species and quality differs. The locals/resident

communities are more sensitive towards environment and have a

better judgement of the trees to cut avoiding the forests. There are

actual cases of thriving timber-mafia (where of course some localsare involved). These subversive activities are pursued in an

extremely organised fashion and chunks of forests are burnt (even

in protected area). Theft and malpractices which are common are;

removal of the outer skin to prevent the nourishment of the tree;

soil digging to expose the roots and render the tree weak; partial

axing and wind fall which as the term implies are axed strategically

and falls with heavy winds. These do not fell the trees at one go

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but is gradual and when the tree loses nourishment, becomes weak

and falls. Then, of course nobody (human soul) can be blamed for

chopping a living and thriving tree.

The activities of the timber Mafia leads to the deprivation of the

local communities of precious natural resource. Such organisedactivities also illustrate a case of external intervention bearing

local/internal impact. While the forests are being depleted the rich

and those outside Nathiagali and perhaps Galyat gain the

maximum monetary benefits. The local communities on the other

had become the biggest sufferers as their environment deteriorates

and their picking of twigs and dry wood are criticised while the

precious logs leave their lands. Such leakages harm the local

communities, the environment and in turn the tourist traffic. It is

necessary for the government to take strict action against such

activities. In addition strong lobby or pressure group is required to

counter this activity and urge the government to take legal action.

Wood as the only source of fuel is used by more then 80% of the

households. In the morning when the young girls and the women

of the household fetch water they also hunt for fuel wood. The

men also during their trips to and from work gather wood. This is

required in abundance as it is stored for use in winter. Hence, the

use of fuel is not only for cooking but heating to beat the severe

cold. Kerosene proves to be expensive and gas cylinders are not

easily available. General average household use of fuel wood in

summer is 25 kg and in winter 65kg. The cost if bought from the

market, is Rs. 80/- - Rs.100/- per 40 kg. Apart from genuine use ofdiscarded wood the harm is done in large scale trading of timber.

A local NGO has prepared a documentary to illustrate this case.

The tourist come to the hill station for the cool air, the landscape

and to be near nature. With the rampant callousness of the timber

Mafia the trees are subject to indiscriminate cutting. With these

being uprooted the ground cover also tend to dissipate and the

process of erosion takes place at a faster rate. This then will affect

the micro culture and the landscape of the area which will deter the

tourist from coming to Nathiagali. Deforestation here is a very live

issue. The dense forests of heavy old trees lose ground and erosion

is visible. Even where mountain cutting is done for the purpose of

road etc. the roots of the trees are left exposed and a lot of ground

cover plus trees are lost. This may lead to extreme change in local

climatic conditions. The sufferers are not the timber mafia or the

authorities but the communities. It is a case of short term gain of

few at the expense of long term loss for many and the nation.

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The cost effectiveness of alternate fuel source needs to be

explored. The attitude and user habits would also be required to

undergo a change for acceptably to come about.

3.2.2 Wildlife (Diverse Flora and Fauna)The park of Ayubia is the protected natural park under the

wildlife department. The trees are extremely old and provide

good quality wood. It is said that the species of wildlife is

quite varied. This needs to be explored and then publicised.

3.2.3 SanitationLess than 22% of households have toilets as part of the house.

They go to the fields for defecation. (fig.6) The women have the

toughest time i.e. to go early in the morning or after sunset. This

forced regulation tends to cause many diseases, specially related tokidney and the renal tract. In houses where toilets do exist the

solid waste is collected and dumped in the fields. Some may find

its way in to the nullah.

(23.3%)

(66.7%)(10.0%)

Flush

Open Field

Bucket Latrine

fig.6

Garbage is also dumped outside the houses and in the fields or near

the nullah. The hotel owners and those from the rest houses

discard it in the bins from where it is collected by the Hazara Hill

Tract Improvement Trust and dumped at the lower level, at times,

where the local communities reside. The brunt of environmentalhazards again is borne by the locals.

In all cases of which the water and sanitation issues are classic

examples the local communities are the worst sufferers. Being

physically a three tied habitation where the upper most parts are in

use by tourists (relatively effluence) and high ranking government

officials and their friends and the lowest showing the growth of

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local community, while the mid-level is the entry and interaction

part, the services planned mainly and largely benefit the upper

community. When the upper area gets occupied during tourist

season the water is held up there while the local of effluence going

down stream increases. This increase relationship is even more

harmful. It also gives another angle to the high leakage and lowlinkage phenomenon. In this case the community not only is

ignored on the part of development as investment in Nathiagali but

rather becomes worse off especially where environmental and

physical conditions are concerned.

3.2.4 Landslides and Environmental RisksDue to irresponsible blasting of mountains, road cutting and

deforestation, much erosion is taking place. With rainfall,

sunshine, snowfall and the lack of cover on mountains much

contraction and expansion takes place further increasing the risks.

The result is falling of rocks and major landslides at times whichblocks the roads, cause casualties and erode the roads.

Environmental hazards due to poor sanitary conditions is cause for

much concern and need to be addressed with full force by the

authorities. The community in this case seem to be resigned to

fate. Unfortunately even the waste from the hotels are flushed out

on to the lower levels where the stream water could be

contaminated. Thus not only are the communities exposed to great

environmental risks but are suffering at the cost of hoteliers who

do not belong to the area.

3.3 EconomyIt is indeed difficult to determine the monthly income of households in the

communities under study. Their incomes are sporadic and not regular.

For those working away form home, in urban centres, the income is more

regular. Very small land holdings which do not even give subsistent yield

are revered by communities. Fowls and cattle are bred for domestic use.

Vegetables and meat bought in the local market are those which come

from other parts of Punjab or N.W.F.P. and are expensive.

3.3.1 Employment PatternOur survey and discussions have shown varied categories of

employment. These by no means show any career orientation but

more as means of livelihood which again mainly is during the

tourist season. They are either waiters, porters, small farmers /

land tillers, hotel operators, hotel owners, transporters, drivers or in

government services.

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3.3.2 Economic ActivitiesIn Nathiagali bazar which is a winding road full of commercial

facilities has hotels, handicraft shops, foodstuff including fish,

vegetables, meat, sweet shop etc. and general store/chemist.

(fig. 7 & fig.8 ). The hotels in the bazar area are mostly owned by

residents of the local communities whereas the hotels in the upperarea (which are better and more expensive) except for one are

owned by outsiders. The largest is the Greens which is part of

NWFP chain of hotels.

S. No. FACILITY Nos

1 Hotels 17

2 General & Bakery Stores 14

3 Handicraft 7

4 Grocery & Foodstuff 6

5 Barbers Shop 2

6 Post Office 1

7 Bank Branch 2

fig.7 : Facilities in Nathiagali Bazar.

Even the handicraft shops are owned by people from Punjab and all

the handicrafts are brought in from Punjab or Swat. There is no

such thing as a local Nathiagali Handicraft. Again these do best

business during the tourist season.

Tourist season, liberally speaking, is spread over four months with

two months of peak activity. It is during this time that maximum

business is done and profits accrued to last them over the year.

Thus the prices are very high compared to the services offered. In

this entire economic activity a small percentage of locals are

entrepreneurs and more are into contract work and daily wage

earners as waiters, porters, labourers drivers etc. There is a general

complaint that tourism in Galyat is not being given the required

boost for the locals to benefit in economic terms as is the case in

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fig 8

Murree. But the biggest question is where to maintain the balance

and not sacrifice the environment for commercialisation.

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The bazar of Donga gali was also documented for the purpose of

mapping the commercial/economic activity with respect to tourism

in the area adjacent to Nathiagali. (Fig. 9 ) The tourist who come

to Nathiagali do stop by there, if for nothing else, perhaps a roasted

corn on the cabor a cold drink or a cup of tea on the road side. For

the community, Mochidhara bazar is a common market place.

3.3.3 Economy and the local communityAs discussed earlier the bigger and better hotels at the upper level

(see fig. 13) are owned by non-Nathialgalis or even Galyat and the

remaining are private or government rest houses. Thus all the

income generated at that (upper) level does not enter the local

economy neither does it go to the government for further

investment in development. Whereas the resources of Nathiagali

are exploited and the better part of the income is also taken away.

Thus signifying a very high level of leakage. The linkage is very

weak as the locals are mostly employed for the facilities earningwages. The downside is the depletion of resources, minimal

monetary earning and no development for the local community.

At the central or mid level the ownership is mixed where most of

the handicraft shops are owned by people from Punjab, but most of

the hotels and grocery stores are either in partnership or local

ownership. In personal terms the benefits may be for individual

households but it is difficult to assess the level of linkage. On the

other hand the community relies on seasonal income but on the

other hand there is no developmental linkage.

The government also does not seem to move on developing

different forms of tourism and better development for the local

community. A link between tourism and sustainable local

development needs to be clearly established on the governments

agenda. This status quo in the longer term shall be detrimental not

only for the local community but those at the upper level as with

the rate of depletion, Nathiagali would not be an attractive place

for tourism or convalescence. This could result in a total neglect

and worsen the environmental and physical conditions as well.

3.4 Social Sector Issues

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One of the most interesting analysis that emerges out of the study related

to the social system is the physical manifestation of social segmentation.

The entire area is divided into three levels - upper, middle and lower. The

fig 9

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fig 10

upper level has the better hotels and government and elitist rest houses

while the middle level has the bazar with commercial activities handled

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CG-26


mostly by the local and the last tier where the local communities reside.

(fig. 10) This is perhaps a legacy of the colonial rule, where the best is for

the rulers, the ordinary for the commons and the last for the serfs. The

significance is that the benefits of the top does not reach the bottom. In

fact everything gets washed down.

The hierarchy of society depicted physically also says much about

development benefits where each level has a specific use. The upper level

really has nothing to do with the locals. In a way it belongs to those who

do not belong there but use the area for a limited period. The presence of

the houses and hotels ensure jobs for the locals as chowkidars and

servants. The second level is the one which has the most activity in

summer and is the common market place depicting mixed

ownership/social as well as economic). The belonging to the area is by

those living in the deepest part and to whom Galyat really do not belong.

Having lived in this kind of environment has brought about an attitude ofresignation to fate. Fortunately some enterprising individuals have

gathered together to raise their voice in the interest of the community but

most of the time are not sure whom to contact.

Under this section are elaboration on education, health and culture while

water and sanitation are dealt separately.

3.4.1 EducationThere exists a general tendency towards educating the children.

Primary schools are accessible and both girls and boys attend, are

enrolled and 35% of girls very seldom are they allowed to continue

beyond primary level. Though there are rare cases of girls having

completed their matriculation or intermediate, especially if they

have lived out of Nathiagali at a stretch. The boys go through

secondary school and further but not in achieving any higher

degree. (fig. 11)

(27.9%)

(72.1%)

SpningCommunity Tap

fig. 11

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CG-27


Education has no relation to the job opportunities and employment

prospects. There is no attempt to create opportunities towards skill

development for income generation. If tourism industry flourishes

and the locals are trained to secure jobs or become entrepreneurs

the community would benefit a great deal.

3.4.2 HealthIn the entire area is one Civil Hospital in Mochidhara established

by the government. The staff available has limited expertise and

dispense medicine. The community is quick to say that the

medicine stock provided by the government is sold off to the local

shops by the staff and they are directed to buy the medicines from

the store.

As there is no vehicular access to the community, ambulances

cannot reach there and in case of emergencies the patients are

carried up by their near and dear ones. Maternity cases are dealtwith locally by dais (traditional midwives). In case of

complication the closest option is the hospital in Abbottabad.

Cases of death have been reported due to unavailability of timely

attention.

3.4.3 CultureIt is a conservative, purdah observing and to an extent a closed

society. Television and radio are available in most of the

households. The newspaper, though, is generally a day old. They

do have information of the happenings in the outside world. But

the happenings in the outside world has not made any apparent

impact on the lives of the community.

Cases of dispute tend to be resolved locally through the jirga

system. This is a group of respected elders whose decisions are

generally acceptable to the community. Jirga serves as an effective

local traditional institution.

3.5 Issues of Development and Institution

The community here, as elsewhere, is cynical towards thegovernment and feels the need to improve their living conditions

through self initiative. Unfortunately they are not organised to

create a lobby, or pressure group or an entity with the capacity to

work towards development. They require assistance in capacity

building, access to information and resources/capital.

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Two NGOs by the name of : i) Anjuman-i-Haqooq-i-Tahafuz,

Mallach and ii) Anjuman-i-I slah-i-Muashara, Nathiagaliare

registered. The former had secured funding from SPO-CIDA

(Small Project Office of Canadian International Development

Agency) for building a link road. Unfortunately due to lack of

technical knowledge and budget planning the programme is leftincomplete. Thus with funding other support is also required. The

latter has prepared documentary of the mal-practices in the forests.

Though an amateurish attempt, it does show a sense of

responsibility towards the environment.

Hazara Hill Tract Improvement Trust (HHTIT) of the government

responsible for development in Galyat from July 01, 1996 has been

declared as Galyat Development Authority (GDA). This gives

them a strong mandate towards development including total charge

of landuse planning, disposal of land etc. The budget and the staff

required to carry out their mandate has not been notified. Theother organisation such as Wildlife Department, Forestry

Department etc. also have a presence.

The existing government institutions are not geared towards

working with the community. The assessment of local

development needs and the approach of planning and

implementation is not part of the training of these institutions.

Though the local NGOs exist, it is difficult to form a working a

relationship between them and the government as communications

is a problem. Both do not seem to come on a common platform to

discuss issues which would in actuality benefit the government as

well. In the absence of resources both financial and (right) human,

the government institution encounter obstacles in achieving their

sot tasks or in setting up tasks.

Institutional strengthening therefore would have to occur at two

levels but each would be different in nature as the functioning each

is different. One is a gross roots organisation while the other

represents the state machinery. The question is how to make it all

come together where this particular case is concerned.

3.6 GenderStarting from the aspect of education, the girls when admitted to school

are restricted to go beyond primary level i.e. after adolescence. The

parents feel that secondary school is too far away. Though these same

girls travel far distances to fetch water and wood. Survey shows that all

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female siblings do not go to school. At least one is kept at home-either to

look after younger siblings or assist in household chores.

Women are involved totally in unproductive labour force. That is why

they do all the work for which there is no monetary compensation. Their

activities begin very early in the day to fetch water and fuel wood, which isa good means of social interaction. The household chores of working,

cleaning and rearing of children goes without saying is a womans work.

They also work in the fields. However, they do not contribute towards

active household income.

The girls tend to be married off by the age of eighteen if not earlier. The

women (usually the mother) does express her opinions within the family.

She does not necessarily exercise decisions. Women are totally isolated

from the tourists, as they hardly come up from the lowest tier. Even if

they do it is for a particular reason and task. Neither is there any social

intermingling nor involvement in economic gain.

While respecting the culture and without upsetting the long standing

rooms women can be part of the development process and economic gain.

Their roles can only be planned by taking the males into confidence. In

keeping with the local culture and norms the manner of womens

participation has to be thought through. One cannot work on the western

model of female participation which may actually endanger the social

system. For the process to be sustainable it is essential to let it evolve

rather than create incisions. Gentle push, support and assistance are

required but not militantchanges.

How can women be included in the planning process in a way that is at

once constructive and not threatening to existing social norms? In other

words how can women contribute to decision making in ways that are

consistent with their roles in society without giving up the right to raise

their voices?

Any plan that tries to involve women must consider the limitations

imposed by the Mallach community. The space in which women

participate must be one familiar to the mind comfortable enough to allow

them to speak their minds. Women have voiced their concerns within the

safety of their houses. The community including women must be

convinced and comfortable in the manner of womens participation so as

not to make the process counter-productive.

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4. ENVIRONMENT, LANDSCAPE AND

TOURISM - Prelude to Action Plan

4.1 Land-ownership, usage and impactLandscape, an aggregation of all lands, the built environment, flora and

fauna of a place includes mountain peaks, forests, agricultural fields,

roads, pathways, water channels, retaining walls, residential, community

and institutional buildings. Some of the resource are individually owned ,

some are communally owned, and some un-owned but for public use.

What is peculiar about the resource is that it shares characteristics with

both public and private goods.

Landscape can be called public in that enjoyment of natural views is a

non-rival good. One persons enjoyment of a view does not detract fromanothers appreciation of the same view. Users can jointly and

simultaneously derive benefits from the resource without subtracting from

the resource itself. Landscape is also public because it is a non-excludable

good. It would be difficult to prevent people who do not contribute to the

conservation of the resource from appropriating it.

Just as there is a distinction between interest and capital in a savings

account, there is a difference between views produced by land and the land

itself. This also gives rise to the publicness and privateness of

landscape. Appropriation of natural views is a public good but alteration

of land constitutes infringement of a private good. Private land usedecision degrade collectively held landscape views undermining tourism

resources.

In the case of tourism and landscape management, rules regarding

appropriate land-uses and the distribution of landscape revenues do not

exist. The vacuum of tourism-related rules and regulations has created

opportunities for select land owners with access to capital to absorb all

tourism revenues even if they do not belong to Mallach community of

Nathiagali or Galyat at large. Assuming that landscape as a resource is

quantifiable and accept that certain land-use decisions are detrimental to

landscape, then it would mean that landscape quantity is correlated withthe number of trees on a defined space of land. Decision to reduce the

number of trees will diminish landscape quantity. Hotel and rest houses

owners who build businesses reduce landscape quantity by cutting down

trees. Entrepreneur should pay a price for this decision or take action to

restore the natural environment in an amount equivalent to the extraction.

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CG-31


Tourists who stay in hotels and buy goods from shopkeepers indirectly

stimulate local producers but in case of Nathiagali the locals in business

are very few and their agricultural land do not yield enough for them to

provide for commercial use.

Certain negative externalities which affect the local communities are waterand energy shortage which result from excessive use by hotel owners in

summer. Solid waste management problems arise due to inadequate

investment in garbage disposal and sewerage infrastructure. While costs by

tourists business are partially offset by tourism revenues, locals absorb

costs without compensation. This is therefore, economically inefficient.

As discussed earlier the three tiered development is also reflected in the

land use and infrastructure. The negative externalises result in maximum

leakage. Through the proposed action plan the externalities are being

framed to serve as advantages to the community.

4.2 Tourism Carrying CapacityOne of the most difficult challenge to overcome in the case of landscape /

environment management, is perhaps that it is difficult to determine when

the conditions will deteriorate to a degree unacceptable to the tourists. This

is to say when will the marginal social costs of building outweigh

marginal social benefits? The stakeholders do not know the areas tourism

carrying capacity and cannot predict the saturation point.

Tourism carrying capacity is defined as the maximum number of people

who can use a site without unacceptable alteration in the physical

environment and without an unacceptable decline in the quality of the

experience gained by visitors. Carrying capacity cannot be determined in

the absence of value judgements which specify what levels of impact are

acceptable and under what conditions further tourism growth would

become undesirable, acceptable or appropriate in each situation.

Differences occur both within and between stakeholders of community,

tourists, managers and politicians concerning the capacity of elements. A

form for regulation and co-ordination between the policy makers and

administrators is needed to take decisions on the critical carrying capacity

and explore the potentials of tourism development and socio-economic

benefits to the community.

Depletion of trees without reforestation, unchecked burden on

infrastructure without adequate maintenance and upgrading, inequitable

land holding between community and outsiders, unwillingness on part of

policy makers and implementers to offer innovative and sincere

approaches, further affect the question of carrying capacity.

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On the one hand there are many tourism assets which remain unexplored

and new concepts in tourism which remain untested while on the other the

existing means seem unsustainable. In a process if saturation is reached the

process is amended to create further capacity. In Nathiagali by no means

has the saturation point been reached. It depicts a need for innovative re-

look and including local development in the overall tourist developmentagenda.

If the place is overbalanced it might not attract tourists and whatever

benefits were being accrued now could also be lost. But on the other hand

the number of tourists may increase but the type could change.

Government planning would have to entail a conscious decision on the

direction to take and means of bringing benefit to the stakeholders. These

are the government itself, the locals, the tourists and all interest groups.

The proposed action plan is cognisant of this.

4.3 Eco-TourismPromotion of eco-tourism would assist in limiting the dangers to the

environment through extra grazing. It attracts nature lovers, allows the

opportunity to acquire knowledge, is very interactive (human and nature)

and the benefits reach far flung areas of the community. Honest marketing

in this regard in Nathiagali would boost the local economy.

The participants/users, developer and manager of eco-tourism may be

represented as:

fig. 12

Government International Finance

organisations

NGOs Private and Public Sector

Investors

Communities Local Entrepreneur

Researchers Publicity/Information

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CG-33


The idea is to open up the tracks and the National Park for the tourist who

come for the particular purpose or desire to come. This means a change

from the existing type of tourists. In this case the requirement for hotels

might not increase that much but a need for different tourist support would

rise such as camping facility with the right equipments, environmentally

friendly fuel, disposal of waste, education of tourists, rehabilitation oftracks, classification of flora and fauna and the like.

The Sarhad Tourism Corporation needs to prepare a framework for

consciously deciding to work at the option for developing eco-tourism

which in many ways will also address the issue of carrying capacity. In

Nathiagali, the Mallach community, one is talking about a high number of

population which are effected by the nature and magnitude of

development. With an inclination towards promotion of eco-tourism the

environmental and ecological issues would stand addressed.

In preparing an action plan the local community of Mallach and Nathiagaliis to interact with the various externalities for the benefits in the area. The

proposed action plan has been put together as it evolved through the

participatory process of documentation and analysis as can be seen from

appendix II.

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5. PROPOSED ACTION PLAN

5.1 IntroductionInspite of Nathiagalis (Galyat) enormous tourism potential, the area of

Mallach has not attracted the attention of the political leaders and planners

with the result that the area is extremely underdeveloped, both in terms of

physical infrastructure and social development. The government

department responsible for the development of the area namely Hazara

Hill Tract Improvement Trust has so far been involved in piece-meal

development only and that too in the upper areas of Nathiagali. Their focus

of attention has been the incoming tourists, VIPs and VVIPs and not the

local communities. Their planning approach and working system is not at

all different from the pre-independence government agency, the only

significant difference however is that the British agencies were far moreefficient. (The colonial mentality is well reflected in the three tier physical

division as discussed in the case study section)

Eco-Tourism comes out of the desire to conserve the nature, environment,

forests and wildlife and encourage tourists to visit and partake in natures

gift by admiring, soul searching but not abusing. In preparing the action

plan it is critical to appreciate the carrying capacity of the area and the

community. The action plan relates to community, institutions (public &

private) tourists, development and area/environment.

There are various sectors that need immediate attention. Some of them aredirectly related to tourism, while others have indirect implication. As has

been already established, the economy of the area is to a great extent

dependent on tourism and remittances from the cities though there exists a

subsistence agriculture as well.

Both because of the geographical location and the way the area has been

developed, there is dichotomy between the local communities and the rest

houses and owners of hotels that have come up. The main Nathiagali

bazaar serves as a meeting point, where the tourists and local community

interact as service provider and receiver. In terms of facilities and

infrastructure, there is a marked difference between the two areas.

With a view towards the carrying capacity, the tourism assets, the

development level, the proposed action plan is geared towards maximum

exploration of tourism potential. While proposing this action plan there is

full recognition of the fact that it would need to create maximum linkages

between the tourist revenue, local economy and development and

minimise the leakage for the case-study area to benefit the overall

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development of Nathiagali and eventually Galyat for keeping it alive and

thriving for tourists and the community. The proposed action plan is

perceived to show tourism development as part of overall development.

5.2 Sectors for InterventionThere are various sectors that need immediate attention. Among those

related to physical infrastructure, affecting tourism as well, are :

- Roads and Bridges

- Water Supply and Sanitation

- Telecommunication

- Electric Supply

- Forest Preservation

- Tourism Asset Development

In terms of social development:

- Education- Health

Other software development :

- Co-operative Management Skills

- Technical Assistance

- Information Strategy

Institution and Credit :

- Financial Support

- Institutional Framework

I. Roads and BridgesOne of the major reasons that the local community has not

benefited from tourism and tourists not having an opportunity to

interact actively with the local communities, has been poor road

conditions and accessibility to the villages, in addition to the

hardships that the local community faces because of this state of

affair. This has hindered the domestic production capacity and

involvement of women in production (behind the scene) and

service sectors. For example typically a family enterprise in

Pakistan has women involved in production and male involved inselling and distribution but this is not possible in Mallach area

because once a person climbs up to the main bazaar he returns on

the steep meandering path only in the evening. At times it is easier

to get some provision from other towns than to go back to his own

village.

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Some efforts to build link roads were made by the Anjuman-i-

Tahaffuz-i-Hakook Mallach but because of lack of technical

support and managerial skills their endeavour did not meet with

success.

The first major activity component of the Action Plan should bebuilding of these roads and bridges. Proper planning of these

accesses with local input, appropriate technical assistance and

financial support is essential - This comes under the provincial

government. Since this is a critical element for tourism

development it becomes essential that such development plans pass

through STC. The local roads for communities is part of GDA and

they need to work with communities in identifying the first three

major link roads. The negotiation for land acquisition and method

of building with the type and nature of community involvement in

decision making needs to be clear and adopted. The level of

responsibility in design, implementation and maintenance by bothparties need to be clear. If the GDA does not take interest the

community may take financial assistance directly from the funding

agency (small funds) and also seek technical support through them.

II. Water Supply and Sanitation

The present water supply level is the same that British developed

for this area. Only marginal improvement and expansion was

made. The sanitation system relies on the topography to carry

away raw sewage. This contaminates the water sources of the local

communities who reside at lower levels.

There are no sewage treatment system. Garbage too is dumped on

nullahs and other narrow ridges. This has a serious effect on the

environment and eventually on tourism. Water and sanitation

system has serious repercussion on the health of the population

whether locals or tourists. Of course since locals reside there and

have long term implications, they are the most affected.

The second major activity component therefore has to be water

supply and sanitation. (I) There is a need for raising the awareness

both at community level and planning level regarding this issue (ii)In addition to a comprehensive master plan to address these issues.

Smaller community level plans are needed to streamline water

supply and plan out a low cost (environment friendly) sanitation

system with a possibility of O&M by the communities. Alternate

means of fuel such as kerosene and LPGs are possible. This has to

be a co-ordinated effort between the forest department, the GDA

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and the community. STC can play a role in defining the tourists

enhanced attraction as a result of use of alternate sources.

As the community has been living under these conditions they have

adopted a resigned attitude and a sense of helplessness in working

in an organised manner. On individual basis they try to resolveindividual issues. Since this is a collective good and the strength

would be in according a collective move for an overall plan for

water and sanitation for the village. The PHEDs budget while

catering to the need of the community, has to work with them on

the type, level and location of services. The primary and part of

secondary level of the two infrastructure would be the

responsibility of the government while the tertiary be the

responsibility of the community. This will ensure division of

labour and cost effectiveness. With the improved system the place

could also cater to more tourists.

III. Telecommunication

The telecommunication network too is geared towards the tourists

at the moment but is quite unreliable. Very few if any of the local

community houses have telephone connection. In case of

emergency and during winter nights they are totally cut off from

the outside world. Even the tourists feel stranded because the

telephones are disconnected whenever there is heavy rain fall. At

times the connections are not restored for weeks. From tourism

point of view this is a serious draw back. First problem is that

people do not have information about the area facilities and the

tourism attractions available in the area and those who venturecrossing into Galyat feel totally cut off whenever there is heavy

rain fall.

The third major activity component would be the upgrading of

telecommunication system. Work has already started on this. The

local exchange which was connected to the rest of Pakistan through

Murree (Punjab) is now being connected through Abbottabad

(NWFP) with improved network system. Even in the absence of

accessibility by road the telecommunication system can overcome

many hurdles.

IV. Electric SupplyThere has been a lot of complains regarding electric supply in the

area. The wires that have been used are of inferior quality, there are

no proper distribution network and at places the wires have been

tied to trees.

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Fourth major activity component would be upgrading of

electrification system. The local community in this regard has

already shown initiative and has been able to lobby for fund and

replaced the old faulty distribution network with a proper

distribution system. For the nights street lights are required. At

present the entire area is plunged into darkness except for somehotels shedding their light.

V. Forest Preservation

Alternate fuel source is absolutely necessary in order to stop further

deforestation.

This is the fifth major activity component. The community has

already shown concern towards this issue but they need to be

trained about different aspects of social forestry, silvi-culture

techniques etc.

Means of dealing with timber mafia at the higher level with

community as partners is essential. This can be done if there is

willingness on part of the government to resort to control of such

illegal activities. Alternate means of fuel such as kerosene and

LPGs are possible. This has to be a co-ordinated effort between the

forest department, the GDA and the community. STC can play a

role in identifying the tourist enhanced attraction as a result of use

of alternate sources.

VI. Tourism Asset Development

The case study section has listed the tourism assets of Nathiagali

and discussed the potentials for development and also the concept

of eco tourism.

In order to attract tourists and maintain a level of tourist generated

(related) income, investments are required to capitalise on these

assets. Making use of locally available skills and potentials within

the community in the planning and implementation of tourism

related projects is essential.The tracks certainly need rehabilitationwith toilet and rest facilities and camping areas. The shorter tracks

need the first two whereas the longer ones require properdemarcation of camping sites and equipments for lending. The

toilet and rest facilities and the shorter tracks can be managed by

the local community. These are not expensive to maintain but the

community needs to be trained to appreciate quality and standard

of maintenance. These tourism assets need to be marketed (see

under information strategy).

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The Forestry Department and the Wildlife Department need to

enhance the national park in terms of its flora and fauna and the

nature walks. STC needs to clearly identify areas of investment by

them or the private sector involving the local community for

attracting the right type of tourists.

Spectator

or

Actor Sustainable

Development

fig 13

VII. EducationEducation that the children of the area receive is not geared

towards the needs of the community. Being a tourism dominated

economy the employment prospects of the young people wouldonly be enhanced if they received appropriate education to fit in the

requirement of the area. The primary and secondary schools do

exist for boys but perhaps there could be vocational training after

eighth grade.

The residents of Mallach need training to serve the incoming

tourists which means training of better chefs, assistants and

managers. STC through its tourism related training may desire to

have a small mobile unit to conduct such certificate courses in

hotel management, running trekking and camping support

facilities, operating home enterprises and other related

operational requirements. Similarly women of the area can be

trained to produce various handicrafts so that they can contribute

towards the household income. This is the sixth activity

component. The girls also need to be given special focus from

primary onwards to be able to support from behind the veil. The

women require similar but segregated training to serve as a support

Community

Public SectorResponsible

Institution

Private Sector

(Profit & Non-Profit)

TouristNational

Policy

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to the men. If family enterprises are encouraged the opportunity for

women in the mainstream economy would rise. Simply teaching

them crafts without observing market trends will never work. They

can manage small facilities alongwith the man-folk.

VIII. HealthGiven the peculiar topography of the area. It is just not possible to

provide medical coverage to the population through Civil Hospitals

and a few (unstaffed) Basic health Units.

A more community based approach is needed where training is

imparted to the locals especially women regarding basic health.

The community has shown initiative in this regard but due to the

absence of technical guidance could not sustain this programme.

This needs to be supported and similar other programme should be

initiated. First aid centres for tourists are extremely crucial. Locally

trained boys and girls could serve as staff in these centres.

IX. Co-operative - Management Skills

Though some community based organizations (CBOs) have

emerged in the area but the community needs to be trained

regarding the working of such organization. They need to be made

aware about the scope of such organizations; their potentials and

their limitations.

Selection and implementation of projects, monitoring and

evaluation. These are all critical stages that they need to be aware

of and trained in. These are formation and running of organisation

to meet the objectives, building up the capacity to respond to the

needs of the community and be an active voice in development of

the area and be involved in every stage, from planning to

implementation to maintenance.

X. Technical Assistance

The track record of the community based organization reveals that

most of the project that were initiated by these organization were

viable and desperately needed by the community but they were

unsuccessful or met with limited success because the communitylack the technical expertise to handle such projects. For example a

project for community tap was initiated in Tipri but for supply 1/2

diameter pipes were used and these too were run on the surface

with the result that it got damaged resulting in loss of precious

water and low pressure.

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The activity components that we identified above are all needed

urgently by the community but if the work is started without

technical guidance none of them would work. There is a need for a

team of physical planners, engineers (with innovative approach)

and community organisers to oversee the work of these

organisation both at the planning and implementation stage &O&M. This suggests a role for the GDA, STC, Forest Department,

PHED, funding agencies and CBOs.

XI. Information Dissemination

Generally those interested to go up to the mountains hear about

these places from friends and relatives who have been up there

before. Unfortunately there is no system of information

dissemination or publicity where by the tourists are attracted to

come to Nathiagali. Foreign tourists are conspicuous by their

absence.

The information strategy becomes extremely critical. It is a simple

tool for marketing, if you publicise your product it is heard by a

larger number of people and the net becomes wider. In this case

STC would have to work with private (local and other)

entrepreneurs in ensuring that what is to be offered is publicised

well. On the other hand also to make sure that the publicity is also

the reality on ground. Information and marketing strategy rates

high in the success or failure of projects which require publicity.

XII. Financial Assistance

In addition to technical assistance, CBOs of the area would requiresome financial assistance not necessarily only grants but also long

term loans. It has been observed in other areas under similar

circumstances that community is both willing and able to generate

enough funds (through contributions) to meet the direct cost for a

project especially because they can see the result (and fruit) of their

investment but they do not readily understand the significance of

technical and management skills required to undertake complex

infrastructure project. Therefore a small level of financial

assistance would be required atleast at the initial stage. The

financing agencies need to be identified and access made easy.

XIII. Institutional Framework

Two organizations are extremely critical in the development of the

area namely:

- Hazara Hill Tract Improvement Trust (now GDA)

- Sarhad Tourism Development Corporation

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The first one by virtue of its historical presence in the area has

some understanding of the problems and issues of the area

therefore it can play a significant role in the development of the

area specially since it is being upgraded to Galyat Development

Authority (GDA). It can take up the overall task of co-ordinating

the development activities in the area especially those related tophysical infrastructure. The other agency Sarhad Tourism

Development Corporation can specifically concentrate on the

development of tourism assets and that too with a specific

objective of enhancing the economic and social development

prospects of the community. Other institutions which are also of

relevance are:

- Public health and Engineering Department

- Forestry Department

- Wildlife Department

fig. 14

This explains the overall institutional framework of how the overall

development in Galyat is desired to take place.

CDA

(With Others)STC

General Infrastructure Special Tourism Assets

Technical Assistance

& Investment

NGOs, CBOs NGOs, CBOs

Private Sector

Specific

Project

SpecificProject

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CG-43


IMPACT

RESPONSIBILITY

ACTION

GDA

(including

FD+WD+Line

Agencies)

STC

Private Sector

(Consultants &

Funding

Agencies)

NGOs /

Community

Carrying

Capacity

Tourism

ROADS & BRIDGES x - x x - + + +

WATER & SANITAION x - x x + + + +

FOREST PRESERVATION x x + + + +

TOURISM ASSETS x x x + - + +

EDUCATION x x x x - + + +

HEALTH x x x x - + + +

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - - x - + + + +

FINANCIAL SUPPORT - - x - + - + +

INSTITUTIONAL

CAPACITY

- - x - + + + +

Responsible entities for the action and impact of these on Carrying Capacity and Tourism.

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APPENDIX - I

Presentation to ICIMOD and STC on initial findings on July 6, 1996 at Holiday Hotel,

Nathiagali.

STC in its contract had required that the Consultants hold a meeting at the case study site for an

assessment of the Consultants involvement in the field. The field team of CG was well

mobilised and had established an interactive relationship with the community.

The community upon learning of the study had earlier shown cynicism but gradually began to

voice their concern rather than complains. They became quite fascinated and interested in the

study concept. Their enthusiasm became more apparent in the stakeholders meeting held on the

day following the presentation.

As the presentation the following issues were discussed :

- Case Study Area in General

- Physical Character

- Tourism Assets

- Economic Activity and Profile

- Social aspects

- Environment Issues

- Gender Issues

At the end of the presentation Mr. Sharma felt that the data was mostly there but some gaps

needed to be filled in which related to moulding the data into a case study. Mr. Mohmand

discussed the carrying capacity of the community.

Following the presentation, lunch was hosted by Mr. Sardar Mohammad Mushtaque owner of

Holiday Hotel.

The field team then took Mr. Sharma and Mr. Mohmand to physically understand the area. The

entire afternoon was spent in the field.

Next morning a meeting was organised with a select group stakeholders at the hotel.

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APPENDIX - II

MINUTES OF THE MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERSCOMMUNITY OF GALYAT

Persons Present

1. Mr. Bashir Chairman Islah-e-Maashra Mollach

2. Mr. Gul Khatab General Secretary Islah-e-Maashra Mollach

3. Mr. Riaz President Anjuman Hukook Tahuffaz Mollach

4. Mr. Masoodur Rehman Manager Holiday Resort

5. A Shopkeeper6. Mr. Mansub Community Leader

7. Mr. Ghaffar Momand

8. Mr. S. Munsif Khan Vice President Anjuman Hakook Tahuffaz Mollach

9. Mr. Kukkum Dad

10. Mr. Mohammad Mushtaq

11. Mr. A. Ghaffar Mohmand MD STC

12. Dr. Pitambar Sharma ICIMOD

13. Sardar Aminullah Secretary CBR

14. Ms. Khadija Jamal Consultant CG15. Mr. Ashraf Shanjer Consultant CG

Agenda

i. 5 minutes were given to each participant to highlight the problems in their areas.

ii. Issues and developmental strategies possible in the area regarding:

- Economic Activities

- Education

- Health- Social Forestan

- Tourism & type of tourism environment

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The following are points on which they spoke:

Mr. RiazRoad widening with CDAs assistance

Range of Activities

- Lobbied for MPA Fund for various developmental activities

- Health Care

- Dispute Resolution

- 30-40 water supply projects

- Link Roads

- Social Welfare Department

- Donations

Mr. Gul Khatab

- Self help

- Donations from Community

- Bridge on River Haro

- Lobby for MPA Fund for Electric Supply

- Water Reservoir - built and maintained

- Forest

- Movies to highlight the malpractices

Mr. Mushtaq

- Alternate source of fuel needed- Roads - Conditions extremely poor

- 75% loss in tourism in the last 2 years due to road blocks

- Chair lift would attract tourists

- Water Supply needs to be enhanced

- Wood needed in Winter

Hukkum Dad

- Finance problem

- Accommodation not enough for tourists

- Business at Subsistance - level only

- Need fund for development

Mr. Munsab Khan

- Snow fall - a problem

- Wood requirement - a problem

- Poors have real problems while migrating in Winter - Entire family or earning member

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Questions

- Road Construction

- Selling of wood- Expensive

- Unaffordable in Winter

- Forest Cutting

- Forest department

- 5,000 fine

Mr. Masood ur Rehman

- British developed the area

- Expensive land sold on auction

- Local people cannot afford land

- Rest houses for elite- Water supply - no expansion

- Bazar does not get water when VIPs come

Representative of Kamran Hotel

- Open Gutter line - discussed with Chairman Hazara Hill Tract Improvement Trust

- Taxation on the basis of rates

Tremendous potentials and assets in the area such as

- Camping

- Lalazar to Mushkpuri

- Chair lift- Feasibility

- Match Factory

- Hotels sealed - Shangrila

- Valley view

MD STC

- Defined the scope

- Referred to Master Plan for tourism, N.W.F.P.

- Too congested as it

- Environmental issues

- How to handle the crowd after the road is built

Mr. Riaz - Finance needed

Mr. Mushtaq - No Land - Hazara Hill Tract Development Trust developing land for rich only

MD - Chair lifts and its environmental problems

Mr. Riaz - How to ensure all seasons activities

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Kamran Hotel - Cable car stay for 5-10 days - no attractions

Mr. Hukkum Dad - Local MPA, Local Bodies are ineffective

MD - More hotels should not be built in Nathiagali, Only improve the

existing link road, hotel, expand facilities

Mr. Mansub - Development would not be possible without finance

Mr. Riaz - Villages are becoming too crowdedIdentify what would benefit the local communities

Mr. Hukkum Dad - Wildlife Park could add to the overall attraction

- Improvement Trust has destroyed Nathiagali

- They have not stopped Cutting of Trees

- Land Allotted to rich Individuals only

Mr. Sardar - One should look at the overall Picture

- Environment long term planning

- Appropriate development so that the area does not get destroyed

- Tourists expectations - facilities- Self help basis

- Maritorious facilities for tourist only

- Water Supply - already under stress

- 20% tourist

- 80% government guest

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