STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) has intensified efforts to protect the region’s natural beauty, forests and ecological balance while promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism, with a focus on providing modern and safe facilities to visitors and improving the quality of life of local communities.
GDA Director General Muhammad Fawad made these remarks while speaking to journalists from Peshawar during their visit to Galiyat, organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority.
He said the GDA was actively implementing a number of initiatives aimed at promoting ecotourism in the region, including the introduction of electric sightseeing carts. The environmentally friendly vehicles are intended to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution at popular tourist destinations while providing visitors with a convenient mode of transportation.
The DG said the GDA had also imposed a complete ban on the construction of concrete structures over the past year and was instead encouraging the use of prefabricated and wooden, environment-friendly structures. The policy is aimed at protecting Galiyat’s natural environment, forests and distinctive mountainous landscape from the adverse impact of unnecessary construction.
According to Mr Fawad, the authority would continue promoting construction practices that remain compatible with the region’s fragile natural environment.
To discourage unplanned and excessively tall construction, the GDA has amended the 2020 Building Control Rules and introduced new Building Control Regulations (BCR-2026). The new regulations seek to control high-rise and excessively tall buildings in Galiyat’s sensitive environmental and tourism zones, preventing structures from obstructing or damaging the area’s natural scenic landscape.
Under the new regulations, particular emphasis has been placed on restricting the height and overall volume of buildings. The move is expected to help preserve Galiyat’s natural landscape, forests and scenic tourist destinations.
The GDA maintains that striking a balance between development activities and environmental protection is essential to ensure that Galiyat retains its natural beauty for future generations.
Rs23bn Tourism Investment Planned for Thandiani
Meanwhile, a major step has also been taken for the integrated development of Thandiani, one of Galiyat’s prominent tourist destinations.
The GDA has signed a concession agreement with a private investor for the development of approximately 400 kanals of land under the Integrated Tourism Zone (ITZ) initiative. The project is expected to attract around Rs23 billion in private investment, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is projected to generate approximately Rs2.5 billion in revenue.
The Thandiani project is being viewed as a significant initiative for modern, organised and sustainable tourism development in Galiyat. It is designed to provide visitors with improved facilities, recreational opportunities and modern tourism infrastructure while taking local resources and environmental considerations into account.
The project is also expected to create new employment and economic opportunities for the local population.
Building Heights Reduced to Protect Landscape
GDA officials said construction in Galiyat was being regulated in accordance with the authority’s building bylaws. In the past, buildings of up to seven floors had been permitted in certain cases; however, keeping the region’s natural beauty, environmental protection and tourism landscape in view, the permissible height has now been reduced to five floors.
The measure is intended to minimise the visual and environmental impact of tall buildings and preserve Galiyat’s distinctive mountainous character.
Water Treatment Facility Underway
Mr Fawad further said that natural springs and water resources were of fundamental importance to Galiyat’s fragile ecosystem. Work was therefore under way on the installation of a water treatment plant in Nathia Gali.
The project aims to prevent sewage and contaminated water from entering natural water sources and to protect the region’s springs, environment and public health.
The GDA is also implementing various development projects aimed at improving the quality of life of local communities. These initiatives include upgrading basic facilities, developing tourism infrastructure, providing environment-friendly services and creating new economic opportunities for local residents.
The authority’s initiatives reflect a shift towards a model of tourism that goes beyond simply increasing construction and visitor numbers. Instead, the focus is increasingly being placed on responsible, environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism.
A Sustainable Future for Galiyat
The GDA’s broader vision is to transform Galiyat into a modern, internationally competitive tourist destination while safeguarding its forests, natural water resources, scenic landscapes and unique ecological identity.
Officials believe that sustainable development, rather than unchecked construction, can ensure that tourism continues to benefit local communities without compromising the natural assets that make Galiyat one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s most valuable tourist regions.
With initiatives ranging from electric sightseeing transport and eco-friendly construction to stricter building regulations, integrated tourism development and improved water management, the authority is seeking to establish a development model in which economic growth and environmental conservation move forward together.
