Pollution crisis hits Harno River as tourist waste and hotel drainage go unchecked

ABBOTTABAD – The popular Harno picnic spot in Galiyat is facing an environmental crisis as the Harno River, once famed for its sparkling spring water, is now heavily polluted due to unchecked waste dumping.

Visitors are throwing plastic bags, food scraps, and other rubbish straight into the river. Adding to the problem, many hotels and restaurants along the banks are releasing untreated drainage directly into the water. The pollution has stripped away the river’s natural charm and raised serious health and environmental concerns.

Harno has long been a summer retreat for people from across Pakistan, offering cool spring water from the Galiyat hills and the unique experience of sitting on charpoys in the stream. On peak days, the area sees thousands of visitors, but the surge in tourism has not been matched with proper waste management.

Despite being responsible for safeguarding the site, the district administration, Environment Department, and Fisheries Department have failed to prevent the ongoing dumping. Environmentalists warn that without urgent cleanup drives and enforcement of anti-pollution measures, Harno could lose its appeal entirely.

Locals have urged authorities to install waste bins, regulate hotel drainage, and educate tourists on keeping the river clean before the damage becomes permanent.