Neelum Valley is located in Azad Kashmir Region. Neelum valley is a 144 km long bow-shaped
deeply forested region in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
Neelum Valley is situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad, running parallel to
Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000m
above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the
noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the
valley a dream come true.
The socio-economic condition of community is poor. Most individuals depend on agriculture,
livestock and seasonal labor work in cities for their livelihood. In the area no any business or
factory exists. Only 7 % are engaged in government and army service, 2 % work in private jobs,
and 3 % are doing business at a micro level.
Social Profile
The society in District Neelum, is for the most part, ethnically homogeneous and egalitarian and
there is strong love for the motherland, language and local tradition. Almost 100% of the
residents are Muslims. Linguistically the region is rich and four major languages are spoken:
namely Kashmiri, Shina, Hindko and Gojri.
Majority of the District’s population is poor and relies on agriculture and livestock for
subsistence.
Gender Profile
District Neelum is a male dominated area and women play little role in decision making. In most
areas women work in the field. However, their participation in commercial activities and
economy of the district is almost nonexistent. They are however, involved in poultry and
livestock rearing at a domestic level.
Focus Site: Upper Neelum Valley, AJK
Consumption of natural resources that is faster than it can be replenished results in depletion of
the natural environment. Contemporary global challenges are laden with issues of natural
resource availability and its management. Neelum District in Kashmir has a beautiful valley that
not only attracts tourists but also houses indigenous settlements along with an ancient temple
ruins. This valley is located at the Line of control (Loc) and is also divided by it. There are
amplified pressures on the natural environment of this area due to population and increased
tourism, excessive deforestation as well as dependency of livelihoods.
HWF aims to investigate and put forth creative propositions for conserving indigenous culture,
suggest alternate livelihoods and promote methods of conserving the environment focusing on
Non-Timber forest products, Joint forest management and establishment of National Parks in the
area including of community-based tourism in Neelum Valley AJK.
Working strategy in District Neelum
Having vision and mission on protection of community based natural resource management and
community livelihood betterment HWF is working in the area by adopting following
methodology.
Full participation of custodian local communities in the area.
Best approach is to empower and educate the local communities of the area to safeguard
the natural environment and wildlife by developing nature club and VCCs.
It needs to develop the resource management capacities of local communities,
government agencies and other development partners.
At grass root level Community sensitization and mobilization
At hamlet level Cos and at Village level VCCs formation
Integrated Management of Natural Resources and Poverty Alleviation in the
Neelum Valley
HWF is working in Neelum Valley since 2005 to date for the recognizing the importance of
restoring the balance between sustainable development and environment, the HWF works
towards empowering local communities by transforming attitudes towards conservation. The
various projects supported by the organization encourage communities to assume ownership of
and responsibility for their natural resources and built heritage; help develop the skills required
to understand and manage their environment; and augment government capacity to facilitate
local conservation efforts.
In Musk Deer National Park Gurez and Gumot National Park Sharda, HWF is working on
Joint Forest Management (JFM); that includes the protection of forest production and
wildlife in MDNP area. HWF plays a mediation roll among stake holders, i.e.
Community, Forest Department and Wildlife Department.
Community Based Harvesting Plan (CBHP) for non-timber forest production that
includes making effective polices and strategies for the harvesting of forest
production based on scientific methodology.
Nomad Control; that includes policy making to seize or at least minimize the nomad
moment, a major threat to natural resources in MDNP.
Capacity building of the Wildlife Department; that includes staff training, technical
support in planning and executing projects and strategies.
And proper law enforcement; that includes advocating legislation and enforcement of
conservation and forest protection laws.
Following projects have been implemented by HWF since 2005 to 2010
Sr# Name of project Source of Duration Project location
funding
1 Community Based Biodiversity
Conservation in Northern Kashmir
UNDP Mar 2005
‐Nov 2006
Gumot National
Park, AJK
2 Forest & Habitat Management in
Northern Kashmir
UNDP Jul 2005
‐May 2007
Neelum Valley,
AJK
3 Water Supply and Sanitation Project in
Surgeon Valley
PPAF Apr 2007
‐Oct 2008
Neelum Valley,
AJK
4 School Hygiene Promotion program in
Neelum Valley AJ&k.
Abt
Associates
Apr 2007
‐Oct 2007
Neelum Valley,
AJK
5 Establishment and Management of Pas
and Conservancies in District Neelum
RSPN Jul 2008 –
June 2010
Neelum Valley,
AJK
Community Physical Infrastructure Schemes
With the financial assistance of PPAF, HWF has worked in the Upper Neelum Valley since
- HWF has implemented two projects of community institutional development and
community physical infrastructure projects (2011-2013 and 2015-2016) in two UCs (Sharda and
Gurez). Although HWF has provided some support by implementing projects in the field of
sanitation, drinking water supply, soil conservation and irrigation, there are but also find some
core issue regarding health and education of the project area that need to resolve with the support
of PPAF immediately.
Project beneficiaries
During 2007 to 2013 HWF has implemented in different schemes like DWSS, Sanitation, Hydel
Channels, foot path, Foot Bridge and Hydel Channel in different villages with the following
beneficiaries.
Project Types No of
villages
Beneficiaries
population beneficiaries HHs
Drinking Water Supply schemes 18 19,916 1985
Land protection/Soil Conservation 7 5,478 622
Micro Hydel Channels 6 9,343 1,072
Foot Paths 8 13,195 1290
Improvement of link road/ Soling of link road 1 13,060 1,245
Sanitation Schemes 8 2,829 450
Foot Bridge 1 560 56
Micro Hydels 1 2864 358
Total 40 64,173 6492
The overall progress of CPI schemes made against each project output during project time frame
for 1 years & 6 months started from July 2015 to September 2016. During this period Total 35
community physical infrastructure (CPI) schemes were planned, but by the passage of time and
as per demand and feasibility of the actual No. of schemes increased 48, and all 48 schemes were
completed successfully and 100% targets were achieved. Detail of beneficiaries and project cost
is as under:
Project Category Total
Schemes
HHs
benefit.
Total
benefitted
Male
benefitted
Female
benefitted
Total
Cost (Rs.)
DWSS 42 3279 31616 13713 17808 18,223,617
Drainage and
Sanitation
1 75 1375 550 825 376510
1 66 960 264 396 149,000
Soil Conservation 3 300 3000 1300 1700 2,136,134
Irrigation 1 101 1198 480 718 636,000
Total 48 3821 38149 16307 21447 21521261
Social Mobilization
Community Awareness and Involvement
Social mobilization occupies a central place in HWF approach, with primary focus on working
with the poor and disadvantaged. Social mobilization is a participatory process to raise
awareness, mobilize and involve local institutions, local leadership and local communities to
organize for collective action towards a common vision.
Social Mobilization is at the heart of everything we do. Social mobilization is a dynamic,
responsive process. HWF is stablishing mutual trust; understanding that there are mutual rights
and responsibilities related to accountability and transparency; observing the principle of
benefitting the community at large, rather than individuals, and ensuring that the poorest and
most vulnerable people are included in the programming.
HWF is working to reduce rural poverty in UC Sharda and Gurez by involving people in their
own development through a process of social mobilization through formation of Village and
Community Organizations (COs and VOs) of the poor to improve implementation of government
and donor-supported initiatives
We work with rural men and women to release their potential abilities and skills so as to build
their knowledge and enable them decide their own development priorities. We also help people
to find the resources they need to meet their identified needs. The purpose is to break the cycle of
poverty, both economic poverty and ‘poverty of opportunity’. When community members come
together for a common purpose – which is ultimately village wide socio-economic development
– they are in a stronger position to bring about sustainable improvements in the quality of life.
The first step of our approach to addressing development problems is to organize people into
local organizations known as Community Organizations that are then able to identify and address
local issues. We refer to this process as Social Mobilization. We assume that local people know
best about local problems and that, in partnership with HWF, they have the talents and
willingness to plan and implement local development. Mobilized communities work as
‘platforms’ for local development, helping to bring together communities, knowledge and
resources. Depending on the local norms the CO members may be all men, all women, or, as
happens in some places, ‘mixed’ COs, having both men and women members. Once formed,
each CO elects a President and a Manager. The HWF staff and the CO members identify an
Activist – an experienced local person who will take ideas forward – from amongst the CO
members. In our support to the Community Organization we offer capacity building skills and
awareness raising sessions to the CO Activists and/or office holders.
Committees to support and supplement COs and VOs: HWF encourages people to form
Committees that assume responsibility for specific aspects of community life. Examples include
Village Health Committees, School Management Committees, Natural Resource management
committee and Sanitation Committees. In communities which have constructed physical
infrastructure projects, an operating and maintenance Committee ensures that the structure is
properly maintained. Wherever these Committees are formed, they play a role in conveying
information, encouraging local people to take part in new ways to meet local needs, and support
and supplement the work of the COs and VOs.
With support of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Programme, HWF’s social mobilization efforts
have contributed to helping people to raise their standard of living, initiate village-wide socio-
economic development and realize new opportunities for themselves and their children. People
have achieved new levels of awareness about their human rights and civic rights and obligations,
and, perhaps most significantly for the long term, have become integrated into local systems of
governance.
Achievements
223 medium/small COs were formed/strengthened, including 159 men COs and 65 women COs
in two UCs of districts Neelum. While 22 Village organization were formed till date. HWF has
also revitalized LSO in UC Sharda and Gurez.
Currently Implementing Project in Neelum Valley AJK
The Upper Neelum Valley, with its beautiful scenic landscapes and cool weather has immense
tourism potential. However, promotion of tourism has received little attention from the
government. Even though the communities and private sector are investing in tourism related
businesses, this is being done without taking into consideration the environment or sustainability.
A proactive, as opposed to a passive approach, is required to boost tourism in the valley and
transform this sector into an engine of growth for the economy of AJK which will benefit the
tourists and communities alike.
Current project outlines interventions for development of community based sustainable tourism
in District Neelum. The focus will be on engaging and involving low income communities
located in areas which have a high tourism potential. This project will end in December 2019
Major activities of project
Promoting community-based tourism in Upper Neelum Valley
Renovation of rooms at specified standards
TargetAchivement
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
105122
7068
175190
%%
MaleFemaleTotalPcercentage
Formation of web portal for marking
Establishment of call center
Community training on housekeeping, culinary and tour guide
Revitalization and formation of Community based organization
Project implementation partner
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF)
Akhuwat Foundation
Tourism Department – AJK
Rohtas Fort Conservation Programme
Rohtas Fort, built in the 16th century at a strategic site in the north of Pakistan, Province of
Punjab, is an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture in central and south
Asia. The main fortifications of this 70-hectare garrison consist of massive masonry walls more
than four kilometers in circumference, lined with 68 bastions and pierced at strategic points by
12 monumental gateways. A blend of architectural and artistic traditions from elsewhere in the
Islamic world, the fort had a profound influence on the development of architectural style in the
Mughal Empire. Sher Sha Suri, founder of the Suri dynasty, commenced construction of Rohtas
Fort (also called Qila Rohtas) in 1541.
The 16th century monument and a world heritage site, Rohtas Fort was built in 1541 AD on the
order of Sher Shah Suri. The fort is located near Dina in Jhelum district 8 KM from G.T Road to
the right side when traveling from Islamabad to Lahore.
The Rohtas Fort Conservation Programme was conceived by the HWF in 2000 to help protect
our national heritage ‘Rohtas Fort’ and develop it as a heritage site conforming to international
standards of conservation and tourism. Under its Rohtas Fort Conservation program HWF has,
with the support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Shell Pakistan Ltd. completed several
projects of conservation, restoration and development.
Objective
Continue public-private-corporate steering/ management committee for collective decision
making
Continue conservation to the site
Development of public and visitors’ facilities
Development and management of site as a tourist spot
Community uplift
Sher Shah Suri Museum:
Funded by Royal Norwegian Embassy the Sher Shah Suri Museum was completed at a cost of
Rs.4.00 million. The Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz inaugurated the museum on
April 22, 2006 at the eve of 3rd Sound & Light Show. The first floor of the Sohail Gate is one of
the spaces that have been in continuous use since the construction of the fort in the mid sixteenth
century. It maintains its original ambience in architecture, masonry, and construction. Till
recently it was in use by the Deputy Commissioner as a rest house for visiting officials.
Unfortunately, the entire walls and roofs of the first floor had been plastered in Portland a couple
of years ago in complete contravention of the Venice Charter, now at a huge cost, and with great
care all of the cement had to be removed to expose the original stone work below.
Sculptures exhibits have been placed at the far end of the room. This layout will allow visitors to
enter the room through one door leading into the right aisle, pass the sculptures exhibit, and
move down the left aisle and exit through a second door. All the doors and windows were recast
in good quality Deodar wood. The doors at the far end have been closed shut, the outer wall of
the building which by seepage of rainwater was in danger of collapse, was repaired.
Two sets of sculptural exhibits have been executed: one, a model of Sher Shah Suri flanked by
two darbans (soldiers), and the second, a model of a Suri queen at her toilette, helped by a lady-
in-waiting. The mannequins have been designed by a team of architects and artists, with input
from members of the HWF; the costumes have been designed by Shahnaz Ismail a well-known
textile artist at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture; the costumes are based on the
scanty records that exist of period costume, complemented by the artist’s interpretation and
vision.
The floor and roof of the courtyard outside the museum has been landscaped using stone tiles,
and benches have been placed for the convenience of visitors.
Documentation of the Sohail Gate
The complete architectural documentation of the gate is complete in end of 2006. It took nearly
twice the time planned as the measurements of the exterior of the gate had to be conducted in
physically very difficult circumstances. There are major architectural and creative inputs
employed by the master craftsmen of the time in the execution of the oriole windows on the face
of the gate which clearly depict their excellence. Almost none the work is mirrored from the left
to the right or vice versa
Rohtas Fort Master Conservation Plan
For the short term and long-term strategy for conservation and development of Rohtas fort. HWF
contracted with M/S Unicon Consulting Service (Private) Limited for the preparation of master
conservation plan. The Master plan addresses the issues of conservation, restoration site
Management and visitation.
The Master Plan was approved in the 5th meeting of the Steering Committee for conservation
/Restoration of Rohtas Fort. The meeting directed to circulate the copies of The Master Plan to
all members for their comments and suggestions.
Suri Park and Path Lights
Bulbs and path lights previously installed at the Suri Park were not in the working condition. As
the sun set all the surrounding area turned into dark which creates difficulties for the visitors
coming from the nearby areas.
All out of order bulbs of Suri Park and Path Lights from Sher Shah Suri Chowk to Sher shah Suri
Museum road. Now the visitors can enjoy at night as well.
Protection and Stabilization of Langar Khani Gate
Langar Khani Gate that memorizes a food warehouse for Sher Shah Suri’s army as the Fort used
to house force of up to 30,000 men. This area was in pitiable condition, before the revamping
work visitors took no interest to visit this place due to its wretched condition.
HWF felt if proper attention was not given to this area, there was a danger that this area may get
collapse and would lost its identity, HWF started work at Langar Khani area with the removal of
invasive species.
We have restored the centuries-old stepped water well named ‘bowlies’ having two approaches.
The access points have partially been restored enabling the visitors to have a safe and close look
of the well.
Work at the Langar Khani gate area completed in two months of time. Conservation wok at the
area gave new look, which attracts the visitors towards this area. After renovation and
preservation work, the local community would benefit with the increased number of visitors that
ultimately would enrich business activity in the locality.
Protection and Stabilization of Visitors Information Center
The fort is visited by thousands of the people daily, there was only information center was closed
due to the loss of support from the department. So, the visitors go back without getting any
information about the fort. Therefore, HWF with the permission of department opened the SAK
– Visitor’s Information Center, with the employment of one person to secure and educate the
visitor.
Reopening of information center was not enough it required the conservation work to keep it
protect for long period of time. Therefore, continuing to facilitate the visitors we have done
masonry work including lime surkhi plaster under coat of white lime and surkhi and thick
finishing layer of lime and fine grit of surkhi. Mud plaster on the walls mixed with cow dug,
bhusa and clay and the stone slabs of 2.5 ft height installed on walls border with the floor.
Electric equipment including bulb and main control breaker had been replaced.
Visitors come here first and get all the information about the Fort and then go to the Museum and
other important areas of the fort.
Beautification of Maan Singh Haveli and Shah Chand Wali Area
The area associated to Haveli Maan Singh and Shah Chand Wali Gate had lost its green beauty
due unavailability of water supply system. This can be done only through the laying a network of
water pipeline, installation of submersible pump and building a concrete tank to store water
received from the visual park through the water motor.
Lying of water pipeline, installation of water tank and the construction of water tank have been
completed. Watering to the complete area has been completed.
Repair of Public Toilets
Fort is visited by hundreds of the local and foreign visitors every day and there is only toilet for
the visitors which were not in the condition of use. There was no light in the toilet, taps were
broken and the white wash was totally vanished from the walls of the toilet.
All the broken stuff were repaired and fitted as new where necessary, new water motor, water
tank installed and laid the pipe line for the uninterrupted supply of water for the toilet. Doors,
windows, ceiling and walls repainted which gives a new look to the toilets.
Current Situation:
Conservation work on the site is stagnant, which was attributed to the passage of the Master plan.
This in no way hampered emergency conservation work which should have continued. The total
allocation this year was of 10 million rupees of which 5 million was withdrawn in December,
and there is little chance that the remainder would be spent this year.
Expenditure on the development of public facilities was the forte of the foundation, for which
exception to rules were made and an account established in which the entry fee money was
deposited with an annual grant from the Prime Minister. The current DCO, citing relevant
government financial rules has expressed his reservations to sign the cheques to release
payments from this account, which the Ministry of Culture has accepted.
It has been suggested that the Project Director for Rohtas should be the signatory to the account,
the notification to this effect has yet to be received from the Ministry.
The HWF continues to support local staff for documentation, visitor services, an account, site
cleaners and an electrician. The foundation also supports Rohtas with gardening implements,
plants, instruction boards, and urgent needs
