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PESHAWAR, Jun 30 (APP):The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has directed all Divisional Commissioners, Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the province to launch immediate anti-encroachment operations targeting all unauthorized structures within the notified natural boundaries of rivers, streams and channels without exception and irrespective of the influence or status of the encroachers.
A dispatch sent to all Divisional Commissioners, RPOs and DCs of the province by the Chief Secretary Syed Shahab Ali Shah said that in view of the recurring damages caused by torrential rains, flash floods and overflow of rivers and streams, particularly as witnessed in the recent events across Swat, Dir, Malakand and Hazara region, it is imperative to take immediate sustainable action to safe safeguard life, infrastructure and natural drainage systems, it has further been observed that encroachments along with riverbanks, streams (nullahs) and natural waterways, significantly obstruct the flow of water, aggravate flood risks and pose a server hazard to public safety.
It adds that despite previous advisories, the persistence of unauthorized structures, illegal constructions, and dumping along thee channels remains a serious concern. So, therefore, all these administrative officers have been asked for urgent enforcement of measures for protection of waterways and removal of encroachments.
These higher officials have also been directed for enforcement of relevant provisions of the River Protection Act, Canal and Drainage Act, and Local Government Regulations in letter and spirit, in close coordination with Irrigation, Revenue and Local Government Departments.
The Chief Secretary has also directed the ensuring of mapping and demarcation of riverbanks and waterways, in consultation with relevant technical departments, to prevent en-encroachment and ensure future regulation.
They have been directed for submission of a compliance report with geo-tagged photos, action take record, and department certification, within 10 days of issuance of these directives.
The Chief Secretary has directed the Divisional Commissioners to personally supervise the district-level operations and ensure that the campaign remains across-the-board, legally sound, and fully documented.