ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Monday imposed a ban on swimming in rivers, nullahs and streams for two months. A similar ban was also imposed in Attock.

According to an order issued from the office of the district magistrate, people were found swimming in rivers, nullahs, streams and tributaries falling in the jurisdiction of the capital which was extremely dangerous for human life.

The order said in exercise of powers under Section 144 CrPC 1898, swimming activities were being prohibited in rivers, nullahs, streams and tributaries.

The order shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force for a period of two months.

The administration said legal action would be taken against violators of the ban. In this regard, orders were also issued to all assistant commissioners, magistrates and police to get the order implemented.

Attock

The district administration also banned bathing and swimming in rivers and water channels after an alarming increase in the number of drowning incidents was reported. The ban was imposed by Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza.

According to a handout issued by the district information office, the order has come into force instantly and will remain in force for 90 days. Strict action would be taken against people found violating the ban.

The deputy commissioner (DC) also visited the riverine checkposts in various parts of the district along with members of the district emergency response committee and district emergency officer Ali Hasnain, additional deputy commissioner general Adnan Anjum Raja and relevant assistant commissioners to review the arrangements made by Rescue 1122, local administration and police to check the preparedness in case of floods.

The DC said warning signs around dangerous spots, especially Attock Khurd Bridge along with Indus River in Attock and Hazro as well as Ghazi Barotha water channel had been affixed to create public awareness.

“All concerned SHOs have been directed to take action against those found bathing or swimming in the river, Ghazi Barotha water channel and other branch canals,” Rao Atif Raza said.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2023