BY: SYED SHAHABUDDIN
A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Swat, Saleem Jan, to review emergency preparedness and response for the upcoming monsoon and potential flood situations.
The meeting discussed in detail the directives issued by the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and important decisions were taken.
The meeting was attended by DPO Swat Muhammad Umar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance/Relief & Human Rights) Syed Nauman Ali Shah, all Assistant Commissioners and Additional Assistant Commissioners (via video link), District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122, Executive Engineer Irrigation, Civil Defense Officer, TMOs, District Education Officers (Male/Female), and heads of all relevant departments.
Officials were directed to ensure full preparedness and strengthen inter-departmental coordination for effective response during emergencies. The DC instructed the continuation of the anti-encroachment drive across the district.
It was announced that all lease agreements for excavation and mining in the Swat River have been cancelled on the orders of the Chief Secretary. The Deputy Commissioner instructed Assistant Commissioners to take immediate legal action against illegal miners, with full support from the police.
Strict implementation of Section 144 ,which bans swimming, bathing, and boating in the river was emphasized. All law enforcement and civil agencies, including Swat Levies and Irrigation Department, were directed to conduct continuous patrolling to prevent violations.
DPO Swat assured that all SHOs had already been instructed to promptly register FIRs and take legal action against violators upon receiving official complaints.
The DC also ordered the immediate establishment of a District Emergency Response Center under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief). The center will include representatives from the district administration, police, Rescue 1122, irrigation, fisheries, civil defense, and other key departments to ensure swift response during any emergency.
The Irrigation Department briefed the DC on the installation of an Early Warning System. Orders were given to expedite all necessary arrangements to operationalize the system.
To ensure the safety of tourists and locals, all hotels located near the Swat River have been instructed to equip themselves with life jackets, rescue boats, nets, and ropes. The DC warned that hotels allowing river access or swimming within their premises would face strict action.
Additionally, directives were issued to the traffic police, KP Highways Authority, and NHA to ensure proper traffic management, road cleanliness, and uninterrupted access to tourist spots. Assistant Commissioners were also ordered to oversee implementation
