TALUQAN CITY (SW) – Residents of Dasht-e Qala in Takhar are calling on the de-facto officials to restore the Ay Khanum Spring, expressing concern over its deteriorating condition and the surrounding walls.
Asadullah, a local resident, urged the de-facto government of the Islamic Emirate to focus on the restoration of this historic site. “The spring needs restoration; the government should pay attention to rebuilding it and provide necessary facilities for tourists coming from other districts and provinces,” he said.
Another local, Ajmal, echoed these concerns, stating, “The walls here are falling apart and no one is paying attention. If this neglect continues for a few more years, the memory of this spring might fade from people’s minds.”
Despite these concerns, Nooruddin Rasekh, the Director of Culture and Tourism at the Takhar Directorate of Information and Culture, noted that there is currently no specific program for the restoration of historical and recreational sites. He added, “Dasht-e Qala is one of Takhar’s historic districts, which, despite having ancient sites, currently sees numerous tourists from neighboring provinces and foreign countries.”
The Ay Khanum Spring, located at the base of Ay Khanum Hill near the Kokcha River, is a popular tourist attraction in Dasht-e Qala. The spring offers cold water in the summer and warm water in the winter, drawing many visitors for recreation and swimming.
