The CEO briefed the directors about the rich biodiversity and unique geological features
that need environmental protection and offer immense tourism potential. If managed
appropriately, it can provide sustainable income for the park’s management. HWF has
initiated the environmental and social baseline for the national park thanks to the
support of Hagler Bailly Pakistan. Survey reports will be shared in the next board
meeting. CEO informed the members that the park’s length is about 45km, and its width
is 7km. The original declaration covered 13,000 acres, but the government has now
increased it to 45k acres. He then shared images of the valley through slides and
informed the members that the valley comprises sub-tropical evergreen scrub forest
dominated by a monoculture of Prosopis juliflora (mesquite), locally known as Valiti
kikar. This medium-sized invasive plant has nearly exterminated the local flora of
acacia, beri, and wild olive trees, which were lost due to commercial extraction for fuel
wood. This part of the park features beautiful pink salt mines and freshwater ponds.
Fish expert Dr. Muhammad Rafique, found endemic fish species in the park. The team
observed thirty one Punjab urials within a one-hour period. Gen. Najib advised to restrict
development such as roads in the park, as it would become a hunting ground. Since
they are at the initial stage of development, a single railway track could be developed
for visiting the area. Dr. Jamil advised that this should be part of the management plan.
Vaqar Zakaria informed that once the park rules and regulations are developed, they
could lease out recreational areas in restricted areas. A lot more work needs to be done
on what kind of business model should be developed.
