SWAT: Swat deputy commissioner Dr Shehzad Mehmood on Wednesday imposed a two-month ban on illegal mining and excavation within the boundaries of the Swat River under Section 144.

An order issued from the deputy commissioner’s office said that illegal gravel mining not only harmed the river’s environment and aquatic life but also endangered essential protective embankments, bridges and public property, increasing the risk of floods.

The order said that any violation of the ban would result in strict legal action under Section 188 of Pakistan Penal Code.

Large-scale illegal gravel extraction has long been going on in the Swat River with social activists repeatedly asking the authorities to curb the practice.

“These activities are not only damaging the natural beauty of the Swat River but also posing serious threats to aquatic life,” said Amjad Ali, a social activist, adding that the illegal gravel extraction had left large pits in the riverbed, where stagnant water promoted mosquito breeding, leading to diseases like dengue and malaria.

“Furthermore, there has been a rise in incidents of local residents drowning in these deep pits.”

The activists said that despite the ban on gravel mining, the mafia continued its activities at night.

They urged the district administration to conduct nighttime operations to curb the illegal activities effectively.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024