Progress reviewed on encroachment removal

Meeting focuses on flood prevention, commodity prices

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary, Shahab Ali Shah on Monday chaired the weekly review meeting on governance matters, focusing on encroachment removal, commodity prices, development targets, and ongoing flood-prevention measures. Administrative secretaries and senior officials attended the meeting, while deputy commissioners joined via video link.

The meeting was briefed that rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected areas are continuing. The Chief Secretary emphasized the need to begin preparations now to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change next year. He directed that water channels and urban centers must be cleared using all available resources, and strict legal action should be taken against violators.

Deputy Commissioner Swat reported that 97 encroachments had been identified in Kalam Valley and other parts of Swat, of which 31 have been removed so far. In Buner, 282 illegal constructions have already been served legal notices, while in Peshawar, encroachments along Budhni Nullah are being identified and removed in collaboration with the Irrigation Department.

Legal notices are also being issued to offenders. The Chief Secretary instructed that a complete survey of Budhni Nullah encroachments be finalized by Friday.

Deputy Commissioner Charsadda informed the meeting that 22 encroachments were demolished during the past week. It was also decided that no new construction would be permitted without certification from the Building Control Authority.

The Food Secretary briefed the meeting on wheat and flour supply, along with prices of essential commodities, noting a decline in flour and chicken rates this week. Officials from Peshawar Development Authority said work on the missing link of the Northern Section of the Ring Road and the new General Bus Stand is progressing as per schedule. They added that uplift and beautification plans for the provincial capital are in the final stages.

The Chief Secretary was also briefed on pending issues in certain zones of Regi Model Town, with assurances that the government is taking serious steps to resolve them in consultation with all stakeholders.

The Land Use and Building Control Authority informed the meeting that master plans for Haripur, Kohat, and Bannu have been approved, along with the budget for the authority. The body will oversee matters related to building plan approvals. It was further decided that soil investigation reports would be mandatory for the approval of high-rise buildings, while geotechnical assessments would also be required before issuing NOCs for other construction projects.