LAHORE, June 10: Following recent deaths by drowning in the Lahore canal, the city district government has decided to impose a ban on swimming at the ‘deep spots’ in the water channel, Dawn has learnt on Monday. The ban will be imposed under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) through a notification in a day or two.

They said to avert any untoward incident the CDGL would also depute monitoring teams along the canal to implement the ban.

“The monitoring teams comprising divers of Rescue-1122, civil defence and irrigation departments and police will closely watch the canal’s deep spots. If they find any one entering the canal at these points, they will take action under the law,” a CDGL official privy to the development told Dawn.

Meanwhile, Lahore’s new DCO/CDGL Administrator Naseem Sadiq in his first meeting with the officers of various departments on Monday said, “Besides the ban, an awareness campaign will also be launched in order to sensitise the public in this regard.”

He said the elimination of measles and dengue from city, completion of development projects and solving issues related to General Bus Stand and Shah Pur Kanjran cattle market would be his priorities.

He said the crackdowns against Sheesha cafes, encroachments would continue.

LDA: Newly-appointed LDA Director General Ahad Khan Cheema assumed the charge of his office on Monday.

Upon his arrival at the LDA offices in Johar Town, he was briefed on various development projects and future plans of the authority.

Meanwhile, outgoing DG Dr Ijaz Munir proceeded to Faisalabad for assuming divisional commissioner’s charge.