The Peshawar district administration has imposed ban on swimming, diving and boating in rivers, dams and canals, as monsoon season begins, to avoid accidents and loss of life.
According to the district administration, the ban has been introduced following section 144 restrictions and will remain in force throughout the monsoon period. Anyone violating the restrictions will face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The decision comes in response to the increased risk of drowning incidents caused by rising water levels and sudden flash floods during heavy rainfall.
All activities in major water areas including the Kabul River, the Jui Sheikh Canal, the Warsak Canal, the Budhni Nullah, the Bara River, Shah Alam, Naguman and other rivers and dams across the district have been prohibited. Recreational boating in the Warsak Canal has also been banned due to safety concerns.
The administration’s decision follows weather forecasts issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), which has warned of heavy monsoon rainfall and possible glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Additionally, rising temperatures causing glacier melting is increasing the risk of flash floods in rivers and streams. All departments have been urged to remain on high alert and complete emergency preparations before the arrival of heavy rains.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also forecast widespread rainfall in Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Kohistan, Mansehra and other upper regions. Rescue 1122 teams have been directed to keep rescue teams, machinery, emergency equipment and relief supplies ready for immediate needs.
Residents, tourists and visitors travelling to northern areas have been advised to closely follow official weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone regions and stay away from rivers, canals and dams during the monsoon season.
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