Master plan must protect Kaghan's natural beauty while promoting sustainable tourism: Chairman KDA

MANSEHRA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jul, 2026) Chairman of the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA), Jameel Ahmad, on Wednesday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive master plan for Kaghan Valley that safeguards its natural environment, accommodates future tourism needs, and ensures sustainable development while taking the proposed motorway route into consideration.

He said this while chairing the 11th meeting of the Fourth Board of the Kaghan Development Authority at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Room in Mansehra.

The meeting was attended online by Secretary of the Department of Culture, Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Saadat Hassan and Commissioner Hazara Shahidullah Khan. Board members, including Lt. Gen. (R) Ayaz Saleem Rana, Director General KDA Rehmat Ali, senior KDA officials, representatives of the National Highway Authority (NHA), the Urban Policy Unit, project directors, and consultants from NESPAK, also participated.

The board reviewed in detail the proposed master plans for Kaghan, Naran and Battakundi. During the briefing, officials presented proposals focusing on eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, traffic management, waste management and the development of modern tourist facilities.

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The meeting also discussed the KDA's emergency response activities in light of the prevailing situation and reviewed the Authority's budget proposals for the fiscal year 2026-27.

Addressing the participants, Jameel Ahmad stressed that the master plan should be practical, future-oriented and aligned with the region's development requirements. He said the planning process must balance tourism growth with environmental preservation and incorporate the interests of local communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the valley.

The participants expressed confidence that the completion of the master plan would improve tourist facilities, ease traffic congestion, strengthen environmental protection and support sustainable development across Kaghan Valley.

NESPAK consultants also briefed the board on proposals for developing camping grounds, promoting eco-tourism and providing comprehensive facilities for tourists.