ABBOTTABAD – Once a pristine getaway in the Galiyat region, the famous Harno picnic spot has now been overwhelmed by waste due to the negligence of concerned authorities.
Tourists, in increasing numbers, are throwing garbage and leftover food directly into the Harno River. Hotels and restaurants along the riverbank have compounded the problem by discharging drainage waste into the water, turning the once crystal-clear stream into a polluted hazard.
Known for its cold, spring-fed waters flowing down from the lush hills of Galiyat, Harno attracts hundreds — sometimes thousands — of visitors daily, especially in summer. Tourists traditionally enjoy sitting on charpoys placed in the shallow water, dipping their feet into the refreshing stream to escape the heat.
However, in recent months, the district administration, the Environment Department, and the Fisheries Department have failed to take action to maintain cleanliness and protect the environment. Locals warn that unchecked dumping threatens not only the natural beauty of the area but also the aquatic life and public health.
Environmental activists are calling for strict waste management enforcement, proper drainage systems for businesses, and awareness campaigns for visitors before the damage becomes irreversible.
