The once-pristine landscapes of Naran and Batakundi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are rapidly being overtaken by unchecked construction, raising alarms among tourists and local authorities. Hotels, guesthouses, and private villas are spreading across the valley, replacing green meadows with concrete structures. Assistant Commissioner of Balakot, Hasrat Khan, confirmed that the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) has intensified enforcement against unauthorised and environmentally harmful developments in areas including Shogran, Naran, Kaghan, Battakundi, Jalkhad, Barwai, and Baiser.
Tourists Witness Rapid Change
Tourists who visited Batakundi just a few years ago recall a quiet settlement with only a handful of hotels. Now, dozens of hotels and guesthouses are complete, with many more under construction. Fukraj, a tourist who visited Naran in 2023, noted a surprising temperature difference between Naran town and Batakundi. "When we reached Naran city, the weather was surprisingly warm," she said. "However, as we traveled further towards Batakundi, the temperature became noticeably cooler." She later saw social media videos showing extensive hotel construction and questioned whether such development is contributing to environmental changes.
Waste and Construction Debris
Sajida, a teacher who visited the valley in 2024, observed environmental worries extending beyond construction. "We stayed in a hotel near Jheel Road, and our room overlooked the green mountains," she said. "However, construction debris could be seen scattered in different places, while litter, including used diapers, was visible in several areas." She felt that tourists themselves contribute to degradation when they fail to dispose of waste responsibly.
Declining Appeal and Rising Costs
For some, the valley's charm is fading. Tourist Zubaida, who used to travel to Naran with her family every year, decided against visiting this year. "Every year we plan a family trip to Naran, but this year we are staying away because of changing weather conditions," she stated. She reminisced about Batakundi's beauty but noted recent videos showing a proliferation of hotel construction.
Rising accommodation costs are also a major concern. Saman, a student from Haripur, said her family is rethinking their annual visit due to soaring hotel rates. "Hotel prices have increased significantly over the years," she pointed out. "Some three-star hotels are charging rates comparable to luxury properties." She added that many hotels advertise scenic views but visitors often find ongoing construction or obstructed views instead.
Future Development vs. Conservation
As another tourist season begins, many wonder how much development the valley can sustain before its natural beauty fades. The proposed Mansehra–Kaghan–Naran–Chilas motorway is expected to improve access and further boost tourism. However, visitors say development must be balanced with environmental protection to prevent the loss of green landscapes and natural scenery that have long defined the area's appeal.
