Local residents, social activists and tourists urge the government to help address the longstanding issue of large-scale gravel excavation in Swat. If excavation continues, it will completely destroy the natural beauty of River Swat and leave a long-lasting negative impact on the entire region. People’s livelihoods, to a great extent, are dependent on tourism in the region as there are few other job opportunities in the area. Unfortunately, the region has been facing innumerable disasters such as militancy, floods and deforestation. Because of the non-serious attitude of the Department of Forestry, deforestation and improper land management have destroyed spectacular green forests. Officials have also turned a blind eye to the…