DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The district administration removed encroachments along a key drainage channel from Topanwala Bazaar to GPO Chowk as part of an anti-encroachment drive aimed at improving city’s drainage system and preventing urban flooding.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, was conducted in the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Syed Mohammad Arsalan. The anti-encroachment campaign in Dera tehsil resumed after passing of the holy month of Ramazan.

The action focused on a central drainage channel passing through Topanwala Bazar up to GPO Chowk, where illegal structures, including parts of shops, washrooms and residential units, had obstructed the natural flow of water.

Authorities said that those illegal structures were causing severe disruption, particularly during heavy rains, leading to urban flooding in several localities.

Following identification of illegal structures, some shopkeepers and residents voluntarily removed encroachments, while others were cleared by the administration. Officials said that removal of all obstructions was essential to restore the drainage system and mitigate public inconvenience.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2026