LANDI KOTAL: The rising mercury level has forced residents of Landi Kotal and Jamrud tehsils of Khyber Agency to take respite at natural springs at Ali Masjid and Landi Khana.

The two scenic places witnessed an unusual increase in the number of visitors, though women excluded, as the mercury shot up, which is an unusual weather phenomenon in Landi Kotal where summers are comparatively pleasant compared to Jamrud and Bara, the other two tehsils of Khyber Agency.

People throng the narrow gorge at Ali Masjid and the refreshing waterfalls, though small in size at Landi Khana after Asr prayers. Both these places have cool and fresh natural springs which also are the main source of drinking water for majority of the dwellers of Shinwari and Zakhakhel localities.

In the absence of any official facilities, youngsters had dug out temporary ponds for swimming at a number of spots along the narrow stream at Ali Masjid. “But most of these temporary ponds are washed away when the area is hit by floods,” Shahid Ali, a college student from Jamrud told this correspondent while taking a dip in one of these ‘swimming pools’ at Ali Masjid area.

He said that there was a dearth of such places in Khyber Agency and thus they come to Ali Masjid to enjoy swimming.

Imtiaz Khan, another youngster from Nekkhel area of Landi Kotal said that excessive power loadshedding was also a reason for a large number of people visiting such places.

Ali Akbar, a local shopkeeper, said that his children like the refreshing water of natural spring at Ali Masjid. He regretted that there was no facility of light when the night falls. “We have to carry rechargeable lights and torches at such places,” he said.

Waheed Afridi, a local resident, believes that the rush of people at these scenic points is a reflection of the improved law and order situation.

He said that the local administration should increase the number of Khasadar and Levies personnel at such spots to beef up security.

Another resident Sudher Ahmad said the precious water was being wasted as there was no arrangement for its storage for both drinking and other purposes.

“Such places are a gift of nature and should be preserved,” he insisted.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2016