Punjab imposes 60-day ban on swimming

Section 144 imposed over monsoon safety concerns, restrictions cover rivers, canals, dams

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for 60 days, banning swimming in rivers, canals, dams, lakes and ponds, bathing in accumulated rainwater, and unauthorised boating, citing heightened risks to public safety during the ongoing monsoon season.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the restrictions came into immediate effect under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and will remain in force for 60 days unless withdrawn earlier.

The ban prohibits bathing in rainwater accumulated on streets, roads, open spaces and other public places. It also bars swimming in dams, rivers, canals, ponds, lakes and distributaries, while unauthorised boating at these water bodies has also been prohibited.

The Home Department said the restrictions were imposed in view of recent heavy rains, which have led to significant water accumulation in low-lying areas and raised water levels in rivers, canals, dams and other reservoirs across Punjab.

Officials warned that children and young people are particularly vulnerable to drowning and other accidents while bathing in rainwater collected on roads and open spaces during the monsoon season.

The department said the prevailing weather conditions had made swimming and boating in natural and artificial water bodies extremely hazardous, necessitating preventive measures to safeguard human lives.

The notification directed district administrations and law enforcement agencies across Punjab to ensure strict implementation of the order and launch public awareness campaigns to discourage people from engaging in the prohibited activities.

The Home Department said the measures were aimed solely at protecting lives during the monsoon season and preventing avoidable drowning incidents.