PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has ordered that all new construction along rivers, irrigation canals, and other waterways in the province has been banned.
He also commanded an efficient crackdown against the encroachments that are already present, stating that no political pressure or other interference would be tolerated.
The CM also gave instructions to the authorities to enforce Section 144 against the construction of new houses, hotels, and other commercial and non-commercial infrastructures alongside waterways, including the Swat, Panjkora, and Kunhar rivers.
“The relevant rules and regulations must be followed in letter and spirit in order to prevent encroachments,” said the CM.
Furthermore, Khan also directed short, mid, and long-term planning to eliminate encroachments, particularly along rivers in the Hazara and Malakand divisions.
The authorities also briefed the participants that over 100 illegal structures along the Swat River have been removed in five separate operations in Kalam, Madyan, Bahrain, Fiza Ghat, and Mingora.
In addition, hotels and boundary walls that were rebuilt in Kalam Bazar were also fully demolished.
