Environmental Meltdown Around the Shrine of Sham Baba Son of Sultan Mehmoud Ghaznavi

Fairly up the canal from Swat River through the foothills, just above Kanju Township, lies a small graveyard. In the middle of it is a tomb, with two large graves. The headstone on the one reads “Sham Baba son of Sultan Mehmoud Ghaznavi”, also known as ‘idol smasher’ in history, and the other of his companion "Qahrandokay Baba". They were reportedly martyred in a Holy War in 413 Hijrah and buried there in the unlikely place, where the highlanders lay their dead to rest by a way of funeral ovation.

Folklores About Sham Baba: Myths and Legends through Generations

Unlike his brother Chino Baba down in the marshland or springs home, the whole solitary mountainous region is known through Sham Baba. They reportedly came from Sham (Syria) for a holy war. The locals would even show you the imprints of Sham Baba’s horse legs. However, there is no authentic record to prove or disapprove these sayings, except the folklores descending down through generations.  

Scenes of Devastation:

However, it is not important to dwell on the history blurs or the blurred visions. What really matters are the factors that led into the quiet decay of Sham Baba hill station from an ideal haven into the scenes of devastation. The haunting beauty of the resort reminds one the stories, memories, and emotions of different times in its canvas. The visual contrasts once bright and now covered in grime tells a story of forgotten moments. The echoes of empty places capture a sense of lost time in the desolate sites. 

Holiday Destination:

The entire mountainous region, known as Sham Baba mountain was once full of life. It was little more than a holiday’s destination, providing plentiful of picnic spots in the hilly terrains around the cascades. Not only the locals, but the people from far-off areas came to enjoy picnics in the gorges, mostly on the weekends.

Abundant Water Resources in Rocks and Deep Gorges of Sham Baba:

There used to be abundant water in the black rocks and deep gorges of Sham Baba. The water from the mountains cutting through the hard rocks from above gathered to the ravines and then drained to the stream below through giant waterfall slanting down the steep cliff wall at the base. The water then made a long way down to the marshes and to Swat River at the end. The ravines and the stream were also covered with trees and thick bushes on both sides, until they met Swat River at the end. From distance above, it looked like a bumpy patchwork quilt lying upon a sleeping land, with the whole area around it had a charming view throughout to fascinate the viewers. 

Asharbanr Forest Through Sham Baba Graveyard: Birds and Beasts Feeding Sites

The locals also collected fire wood from Asharbanr Forest on the way through the ancient shrine of Sham Baba. The ravines and the streams were tightly packed with rows of trees on both sides. They were ideal breeding and feeding sites for birds and beasts, nurturing in the highlands, caverns, long ditches, deep chasms of black gorges, and thick bushes. The clusters of black wings tinting the horizon above in black sailed through the salient brilliant sky. The transiting birds between their roasting and foraging sites came to the fore under the watchful eyes of slingshot hunters. 

Sham Baba Waterfall Spectacular Sight:

The spectacular sight of the waterfall, with water cascading into a pristine pool below, had a hypnotic effect on the visitors. Surrounded by rugged terrain and dense forest, it created a dramatic contrast between the roaring waters and the tranquil greenery. The area around it was an ideal scene for hiking and picnicking. There were several vantage points that offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There were step-by-step natural swimming pools on the stream until Chino Baba springs added to its depths on the lower end, where the locals swam in the summer season. 

Environmental Meltdown: A Vanishing Legacy

The once-flourishing ecosystem that surrounded the shrine of Sham Baba son of Sultan Mehmoud Ghaznavi has now become a stark example of environmental neglect. The thick forests, which once cradled the ravines, streams, and wildlife sanctuaries have fallen prey to the relentless axes of woodcutters. Unchecked deforestation, excessive harvesting, and unsustainable practices, largely driven by the pressures of a growing population, led to a dramatic ecological decline.

Final Thought:

What was once a vibrant, and self-sustaining highland region has turned into a symbol of loss, not only for the natural landscape but also the cultural and historical legacy of Sham Baba and his sacred resting place.