SIALKOT: The banks of Bambanwala-Ravi-Bedian (BRB) canal, Marala Ravi Link canal and Upper Chenab canal have been damaged and unpaved for a long time near Daska, Sambrial, Motra and Pasrur localities.

Irrigation Department officials have not repaired the banks even though several people have fallen into the canal due to fence-less banks.

Several people travel on these banks every day but the government did not fence them.

Local journalists say the banks are badly damaged at various spots and are in need of urgent repair.

In Daska, the banks of BRB canal are dilapidated near the New Judicial Complex creating problems for lawyers and other people.

Local residents Faisal, Imran Ali, Muhammad Asif, Nasir Mahmood, Allah Rakha, Bushra Bibi, Parveen Bibi and Haleema Bibi say they have been traveling on these dilapidated banks for years by keeping their life in danger.

Residents of Daska said that due to the rundown banks, it took them more than an hour to cover four kilometres (from Main Canal Bridge to Raja Ghumaan village) on the dilapidated banks of the BRB canal.

They have urged Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Gujranwala Division Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Asif and Sialkot District Coordination Officer Dr Asif Tufail to look into the matter.\

DROWNS: Ali Haider, 21, of village Bheelo Mahaar-Motra, was feared drowned in the Marala-Ravi-Link canal in Daska on Saturday.

Rescue 1122 divers were busy searching him.

EDHI: Scores of people participated in a candlelight vigil held at Sialkot by civil society to pay rich tributes to the charity icon of Pakistan, Abdul Sattar Edhi.

The participants paid rich tributes to Edhi for his meritorious and unmatched services to the ailing humanity.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2016