Peshawar Imposes Ban on Swimming and Boating During Monsoon

The Peshawar district administration has imposed a ban on swimming, bathing and boating in rivers, canals, dams and other waterways as part of safety measures for the monsoon season.

The ban has been imposed under Section 144 and will remain in place until the end of the monsoon season. According to the district administration, strict action will be taken under Section 188 against anyone found violating the order.

The restrictions apply to Kabul River Canal, Joli Sheikh Canal, Budhni Nullah, Bara River, Shah Alam, Naguman, Adezai River, Warsak Gravity Canal and Warsak Lift Canal.

The administration has also banned illegal boating, boating through tire tubes and all recreational activities near water banks to prevent accidents during the rainy season.

The move comes as authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have tightened precautionary measures due to the risk of heavy rains, flooding and glacial lake outburst floods.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season may remain above normal, which could create dangerous conditions in rivers, canals and other water channels.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PMDA) has placed several upper districts of KP on high alert over the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.

According to PDMA, rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt rapidly, increasing the chances of sudden glacial lake bursts and flash floods.

PDMA has directed the district administrations of Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Kohistan and Mansehra to take advance safety measures and ensure continuous monitoring of sensitive glacial areas.

Rescue 1122, district administrations and other relief agencies have also been told to keep emergency machinery, staff and essential supplies ready at all times.

Authorities have advised residents and tourists, especially those in upper areas, to keep an eye on weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel and follow instructions issued by local administrations.