Upper Neelum Valley

The upper Neelum river flows from the part of Kashmir controlled by India, through a deep gorge about 10,000’ above sea level, into “AJK” – Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The valley is very beautiful, surrounded by high mountains, leading towars Nanga Parbat in the higher reaches. Life is hard: snow sets in usually in December and may last until March. Even in the summer access by motor vehicle is difficult, and in the winter, impossible. But the local people are hard-working and self-reliant, maintaining traditional ways and looking after themselves in an agriculture-based subsistence economy.

The flood in the Upper Neelum was relatively sudden and extremely violent. It took away much of the vital infrastructure on which these subsistence communities depend. Most of this damage took place in 3 big side valleys on the West side of the Neelum Valley. EDA has been working in 2 of these valleys, the Shounter and Surgan Valleys, each around 28km in length and with settlements approaching 11,000ft in altitude. Around 40% of the limited amount of valuable arable land was swept away in 2 villages in the Shounter Valley and around 8% in the valley as a whole. In Surgan, land loss was less due to the topography of the area. Micro hydro plants, watermills, irrigation channels, water supply sources, small factories, schools and shops in both valleys were destroyed. The implications of this damage for the economy and welfare of the population, are obvious.

In the mountains floods carry away river banks, houses, and fields - for ever

(Pictures by Muhammad Naeem Awan, EDA volunteer, Upper Neelum)

AJK - Independent (Pakistan controlled) Kashmir

The Upper Neelum Valley

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