Encroachments resurface along Swat River

Illegal constructions plague areas near Swat River once more, authorities concerned seem helpless to stop it.

SWAT: Despite government restriction, illegal constructions have once again started along the Swat River and the authorities concerned seem helpless to stop it, residents complained.

Increase in population, commercial activities and encroachment on the banks and river bed of Swat River were some of the reasons that caused destruction during the recent floods in the area. The illegally constructed hotels and residential buildings narrowed down the river course restricting the flow of the river and streams due to which the flood water broke its banks and inundated populated areas and settlements.

“My houses were located farther away from the river and would not have been destroyed if it the encroachers had not narrowed down the water course,” said Sher Mohammad Khan, while talking to The Express Tribune. Floods destroyed three houses of Khan, a resident of Mingora. There was not enough space for the outlet of flood water and when its level rose it turned towards our village and washed away my house and 14 others’, Khan said.

“We informed the local authorities time and again but they did not pay any heed. Now once again these encroachments have sprung up and no one seems to be serious to stop them because they are affluent and have supporters in higher authorities,” he lamented.

Talking to The Express Tribune, an official of the local administration said that the government has imposed a ban on constructions along the river and streams till December 31. He said that special teams have been formed to monitor encroachments along the Swat River and other streams.

Advocate Syed Karim Shilman said that encroachments by the land mafia made the rivers and streams narrower and when the water level rose, it broke its banks and caused flooding in areas that were supposed to remain unaffected. “This devastation was caused due to the failure of the departments concerned,” Shilman said.

He said that the authorities concerned should take strict action against such encroachers and punish them under criminal laws and civil proceedings.  He blamed the civic department officials for their inaction against such illegal activities.

“The laws are not being implemented because the departments concerned and the land mafias are hands in glove and violating the rights of the common people,” he added.

It is the need of the hour to strengthen Swat River banks by constructing protection wall and protect it from encroachers. If the illegal constructions by the powerful mafia along Swat River and other streams are not stopped, the consequences in case of flooding will be no different than that of the recent floods.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2010.