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DERA ISMAIL KHAN , Jul 16 (APP):In line with the directives of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a comprehensive anti-encroachment operation was carried out along the banks of the River Indus in the areas of Thoya Fazil and Thoya Sial, here in Dera Ismail Khan.
The operation was supervised by Assistant Commissioner Dera, Syed Muhammad Arsalan, accompanied by trainee assistant commissioners, officials from the Irrigation Department, Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA), and Revenue Department personnel.
As part of the operation, temporary and permanent encroachments—such as sheds, makeshift structures, and barbed wire fencing—were completely removed from the state-owned “Right of Way” land. A total area of 1 kanal and 12 marlas was reclaimed, valued at approximately Rs33.6 million.
In the riverbed (River Indus Bed) section, nine permanent illegal structures, including swimming pools, farmhouses, and under-construction DPCs (Damp Proof Courses) were demolished. A total of 14 kanals and 9.5 marlas of land was cleared of unauthorized constructions.
The concerned owners were strictly directed to demolish the remaining illegal structures—including farmhouses and swimming pools—at their own expense and remove the debris to restore the natural flow of the river.
Residents of informal settlements in Thoya Fazil were issued warnings to vacate their homes within 24 hours due to possible monsoon-related flooding and associated risks to life and property.
Authorities emphasized that these encroachments were in violation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa River Protection Act, 2014, as they obstruct the natural course of the river and pose serious environmental and safety hazards.