Islamabad: Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, has emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive waste management strategies at Deosai National Park to protect its vulnerable ecosystem. The call for action came during a discussion with Ex-Senator and Ambassador (Honorary) Wildlife, Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari, focusing on the environmental challenges posed by increasing visitor numbers and other pressures on the park.

According to Press Information Department, Alam highlighted several key issues threatening Deosai’s biodiversity, including solid waste from tourists, overgrazing, and insufficient resources for effective management. She advocated for the implementation of stringent waste management protocols, including banning disposable plastics and boosting visitor awareness to ensure the park’s ecological integrity. These measures aim to foster sustainable tourism and enhance the livelihoods of the local community reliant on the park.

Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari, reflecting on his recent visit to Deosai, stressed the need for better infrastructure and resource allocation to address the impacts of Bakkarwaals (nomadic herders) on the park’s wildlife. He suggested several enhancements, such as improved road maintenance, better facilities for park staff, and increased surveillance to prevent poaching. Leghari also recommended repositioning certain check posts to optimize park access and visitor flow, alongside installing welcome gates to improve the overall tourist experience.

These discussions underscore a significant push towards strengthening the management and preservation of one of Pakistan’s most treasured natural landscapes.