The heart-wrenching tragedy that recently occurred in Swat, where 18 members of a single family drowned in the river, deserves the urgent attention of both the public and authorities. This is not an isolated incident—over the years, we have lost hundreds of precious lives in similar tragedies across the region, especially during the monsoon season.
These repeated disasters highlight a glaring lack of preventive infrastructure, public awareness, and emergency preparedness. Every monsoon, rivers swell without warning, and families, tourists, and locals fall victim to the sudden surges in water levels. Despite the predictable nature of these seasonal risks, our response remains tragically reactive.
It is imperative that both the local administration and the provincial government take responsibility and act on war-footing to prevent further loss of life. The following urgent steps must be taken:
Public Awareness Campaigns: There is a dire need to educate locals and tourists about the dangers of river proximity during monsoon. Awareness drives through media, social platforms, and at tourist checkpoints can help save lives.
Deployment of River Guards: Trained safety personnel should be stationed at vulnerable points along the rivers to guide tourists, monitor water levels, and issue early warnings in case of rising flood risk.
Early Warning Systems: Installation of real-time water level monitoring systems with public alert mechanisms can provide critical minutes of warning and help evacuate or restrict access to danger zones.
Legislation and SOPs: The federal and provincial governments must collaborate to create and enforce strong laws and standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding river safety and tourism during high-risk seasons.
Tourism Regulation: Tourist activity must be strictly regulated near rivers during monsoon, with designated safe zones and penalties for violations.
Let this tragedy be a turning point. It is time we move beyond condolences and take firm action to end this cycle of loss. The rivers of Pakistan should be a source of beauty and livelihood—not a graveyard for families.
Abdur Razzaq
Mardan
