SLF Cleanliness Campaign during Jashne Qaqlasht Festival 2024
The annual Qaqlasht festivalcelebrated in Qaqlasht Meadow Upper Chitral after 5 years of break on 1st May to 7th May 2024. Traditional games, cultural performances, and music filled the air as thousands of enthusiastic local and foreign tourists participated to the event.
However, with great celebration comes great responsibility. The overwhelming turnout led to a concerning issue of waste and garbage polluting the pristine environment and endangering wildlife habitats.
To recognize the situation, Snow Leopard Foundation in collaboration with District Administration Upper Chitral and Wildlife Division Chitral commenced following activities to keep clean the environment and preserve the beauty of Qaqlasht for future;
Information Camp: SLF set up an information camp on the ground to educate people about environmental issues, possibly with a focus on snow leopard conservation. Several prominent individuals visited the camp, including the Deputy Commissioner, District Police Officer, Assistant Commissioner, Commandant 144 wing Mastuj Chitral Scout, Tehsil Chairman, Chairman Qaqlasht Committee/ President Polo Association Chitral.
Distribution of Brochures and Materials: Related brochures and materials were distributed to further disseminate information about environmental conservation and possibly specific initiatives undertaken by SLF.
Organized Awareness Walk: An awareness walk was organized, likely to engage the community and raise awareness about environmental issues. Ismaili Boy Scout Upper Chitral, Qaqlasht Management Committee members, Tehsil Nazim, and other VIPs participated in the awareness walk, indicating broad community support and involvement in environmental initiatives.
Garbage Collection and Proper Disposal: SLF and Ismaili Boy Scout Upper Chitral volunteers collected garbage during the event and ensured its proper disposal, promoting cleanliness and environmental stewardship.
Appreciation Awards: Appreciation awards were distributed to individuals who supported environmental cleanup efforts during the event, likely recognizing their contributions to maintaining a clean environment.
Overall, these efforts aimed to mitigate the environmental impact of the festival and preserve Qaqlasht’s natural beauty for future generations.
