PESHAWAR: The district administration has imposed a ban on swimming and boating in rivers, dams and canals across Peshawar for the duration of the monsoon season, citing public safety concerns amid the risk of flooding and strong water currents.
According to official orders, Section 144 has been enforced across the district, prohibiting swimming and unauthorized boating in all rivers, dams and canals. Violators will face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code for disobeying official orders.
The ban applies to the Kabul River Canal, Joli Sheikh Canal, Budhni Nullah, Bara River, Shah Alam River, Naguman River and Adizai River. Swimming has also been prohibited in the Warsak Gravity Canal and Warsak Lift Canal.
The administration has further banned boating using tyre tubes and recreational activities along riverbanks and canal banks during the restriction period.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert over the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The authority warned that persistent high temperatures and accelerated glacier melting have significantly increased the likelihood of glacial lake outbursts and flash floods.
District administrations in Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Kohistan and Mansehra have been directed to implement precautionary measures, maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable glacial areas and remain prepared to respond to any emergency.
The PDMA has also instructed Rescue 1122, district administrations and other emergency response agencies to keep personnel, machinery and essential equipment on standby to ensure a swift response in the event of any disaster.
Residents, particularly those living in mountainous regions, as well as tourists, have been advised to closely monitor weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities.
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