SWAT: Local residents, women and youth joined a community-led campaign in Village Kanju, Swat, to tackle tourist litter, reduce river pollution and promote a cleaner, healthier environment along the Swat River.
The activity was organised under the Social Action Project, “Tourist Litter Control and Clean Swat River,” as part of the wider project “Empowering Women for Peace and Environmental Justice in Swat.”
Led by project-trained Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) Asif Habib, Shahid Khan, Mahinoor, Wannas Ihsab and Seemab Qazi, the campaign focused on the growing challenge of tourist waste and its impact on the river ecosystem.
Female participants actively led riverbank clean-up activities and awareness efforts, highlighting the important role of women in environmental protection and community-led action.
An Insider Mediation dialogue also brought together local business owners, youth and residents to discuss waste management challenges, encourage shared responsibility and identify practical ways to keep the river and its surroundings clean.
Adnan Khan, an official from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Irrigation Department, joined the activity and supported the community’s efforts to protect the Swat River and its surrounding environment.
The initiative was supported by the Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and UNDP Pakistan, under the leadership of Sadia Bangash.
The campaign highlighted how community participation, women’s leadership and cooperation among local stakeholders can help reduce pollution, protect river ecosystems and strengthen environmental resilience in Swat.
