In the past two decades due to population explosion and growth of tourism activities in the valley, River Swat faces serious problems in the form of encroachment, illegal fishing and hunting, and pollution in the form of liquid and solid waste. These maladies start right from the source of the river and intensifies downstream spatially and temporally. Wastewater from residential and commercial buildings is directly disposed to the river affecting its water quality both chemically and bacteriologically, which in turn threaten the health of the inhabitants and also the biodiversity dependent on the river. No proper waste management is present for the waste produced in Mingawara City. The waste produced in the city ultimately finds its way into the river, either through the traversing streams or through the Municipality workers. This is one of the main causes of the pollution of River Swat. Most of the hotel buildings along River Swat encroach upon the river. Not only the affluents are directly flushed to the river but these encroachments obstruct the beautiful views and scenes from the eyes of the passers by, as well. Thus the aesthetic value of the river in particular and the valley in general is gradually reduced. Illegal fishing practices in the form of dynamiting, poisoning and electrocution (not to speak of illegal fishing through potentially legal means) has already caused the destruction of the fish fauna and other aquatic life. So far so that fish of legal age and length if not impossible, is difficult to catch in the river or in its tributaries. Inhumane hunting of resident and migratory birds has jumped many folds in the past two decades due to the social and economic changes without introduction of proper governance/management systems. During migratory seasons of birds, specially of ducks, one can observe scene mimicking boarder skirmishes. Forest cutting and soil erosion are other issues in relation to River Swat. The pollution level of River Swat is increasing day by day and if serious measures were not initiated in time the situation would reach to a stage of no return.
The main towns providing paid abode to tourists are also situated on the bank of the river. These include Mingawara, Madyan, Behrain and Kalam. The hotel industry has taken its present form in these settlements because of the felt need by the hotel owners and government agencies responsible to facilitate such activities paid no attention. The river is the main tourism promoting resource in the valley and majority of more than 400 tourist hotels have been built on the banks of the river or its tributaries. Most of the hotels and commercial centres use to throw their solid and liquid wastes directly into the river or its tributaries. Increased use of disposable but non-degradable utensils and shopping bags has reduced the use of solid wastes as manure. The urban and sub-urban areas produce more of such waste, most of which is dumped in the river or its tributaries. The traditional rules have lost their effectiveness to a greater extent because of the unruly rules in vogue, without giving importance to the local traditions and culture. The new laws and legislation failed to protect the river from pollution and illegal construction and hunting. The river water has become undrinkable, not even suitable for washing at certain points. The migratory birds now seldom pass through the valley due to high rates of shooting or else they fly very high hidden from the eyes of the killers. The number of different fish species has fallen and the diversity is threatened due to the use of inhumane practices for fish catch.

To address to the above mentioned problems, EPS proposed the project for the protection of River Swat after collection of baseline information and discussion with stakeholders.

Keeping in view the intensity of the problem EPS highlighted the issue of protection and conservation of River Swat at different forums and through print media since long and was succeeded in mobilizing the concern Government departments. However due to lack of coordination among government agencies themselves in general and with the communities in particular, a viable solution for the problem was not possible.

The provincial cabinet, on January 24, 1994 decided to take various long and short term measures for tackling the situation. The district administration attempted to control the situation through imposition of section 144 banning all sort construction along the river. However these administrative measures failed to give positive results.

In May 1996, the provincial government decided to establish River Swat Protection Cell (RSPC) under the chairmanship of Commissioner Malakand Division. All the relevant departments were made the members of the cell. EPS has agreed to act as a coordinator to ensure the participation of interest groups and communities and Coordinator RSPC is representing EPS in the forum.

Tourism is one of the main economic activities in the valley. It is conceptualized to study the existing situation of tourism in the valley and promote the activity in accordance with the local needs and requirements. Tourism Study will be carried out during the proposed extended period. This study was proposed by Reza Ali, consultant to the project. The proposal for the study was then prepared and submitted for review to Arif Hassan and Fayyaz Baqir who appreciated the idea.

The study will provide comprehensive data and knowledge for the formulation of strategies and proposals regarding the Protection of river swat against pollution, Development control and building control and Evolution of municipal services particularly sewage and solid waste collection along with its proper disposal in the target area. The study will also help in developing strategy for promoting ecotourism in the area, thus minimizing the present unhealthy growth that results in the pollution of the River

And finally the smooth running of River Swat Protection Cell (RSPC), particularly in the changing scenario of the present government plan of devolution of power. As presently RSPC is headed by the Commissioner Malakand Division but from August, 2001, Divisions will be abolished and so will be the post of Commissioner. In the new set-up the important process of bringing all the stakeholder at Divisional level will have to be changed accordingly, to district level. At the same time the newly elected representatives will have to be educated in this regards.