MANSEHRA: The district administration, Baffa-Pakhal tehsil municipal administration, and the irrigation department on Friday launched an anti-encroachment operation along the Siren River in the upper parts of Siren Valley.

“We have launched an anti-encroachment drive to clear the right-of-way of Siren River, and demolished dozens of buildings and other structures,” a press release issued by the district administration here said.

A joint team of the irrigation department and TMA Baffa-Pakhal led by assistant commissioner Nayab Abbasi carried out the anti-encroachment drive in the Gucha, Mandachucha, and adjoining localities, grounding structures built on the riverbed and riversides.

“In monsoon season, Siren River swells dangerously, and such buildings block the water flow, causing devastation,” the press release said.

The officials asked people to voluntarily remove such houses and buildings, which were coming into the right-of-way of the river.

The operation aimed to not only ensure the smooth flow of river, but also to preserve the ecology of the picturesque Siren valley.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2025