Raghagan Dam closed

Raghagan Dam has been closed for tourists after a three day relaxation during Eid in the Bajaur tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

Officials told The Express Tribune that the dam is still under construction but it had been especially opened for tourists because last year seven people died when a boat capsized in the water reservoir. They said that this year no one was allowed to board a boat without life jacket and police as well as Rescue 1122 divers had been deployed too.

K-P minister for Zakat, Social Welfare and Special Education Anwar Zaib Khan also visited Raghgan Small Dam in his home district and reviewed the security and safety arrangements during Eid holidays.

The minister met the tourists and inquired about the facilities available to local tourists. He appreciated the services of police personnel, district administration, Rescue 1122 team and young volunteers for dealing with any untoward incident at the site. He said that on the occasion of Eid, the dam had been opened under SOPs for public entertainment.

He directed the police personnel and TMAs to ensure implementation of these SOPs, adding that violators will be fined.

Tourists can enjoy a ride in boats in the dam but must wear life jackets. There is a complete ban on wooden boats in the dam. He said that he was personally supervising the security arrangements in the dam and during Eid all arrangements were ok.

The minister said that complete law and order has been restored in Bajaur, adding that K-P government is paying special attention to the promotion of tourism.

He said that the provincial government was soon launching a project in dam with Rs250 million to provide facilities to the people, including walk tracks and public parks, which has been formally approved by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. He said that at present there is no intention to impose any tax on parking etc.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2022.