DC briefed on installation of early warning system on Swat River

SWAT
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Swat, Saleem Jan, chaired a high-level meeting to review and finalize preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season and potential flood emergencies across the district.
Officials from the Irrigation Department briefed the meeting on the installation and operational status of the Early Warning System, said a handout. The DC directed them to ensure all necessary measures are in place to safeguard the population.
To prevent accidents, the DC ordered that all hotels along the Swat River must be equipped with safety gear, including life jackets, rescue boats, ropes, and other emergency equipment. Strict action will be taken against hotel owners found allowing tourists or locals to bathe in the river.
Emphasizing the importance of road safety and accessibility during monsoon rains, the DC instructed the Traffic Police, Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority, National Highways Authority, and other concerned departments to ensure proper traffic management, timely road clearance, and uninterrupted access to tourist destinations.
The meeting also reviewed the directives of the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in detail and agreed on immediate implementation. All departments were ordered to remain on high alert, ensure inter-departmental coordination, and maintain open communication throughout the season.
The DC announced that all lease agreements related to sand, gravel, and excavation in the Swat River have been cancelled by the Chief Secretary. Assistant Commissioners were instructed to launch legal action against illegal miners in coordination with police and relevant departments. The District Police Officer (DPO) Swat assured full support and immediate FIRs against violators.
Section 144 has been imposed to ban bathing, swimming, and boating in the Swat River. Police, Swat Levies, Civil Defense, and other agencies have been directed to carry out regular patrols to ensure strict enforcement.
In a major move for disaster readiness, the DC ordered the immediate establishment of a District Emergency Response Center under the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief), comprising representatives from the district administration, police, Rescue 1122, Irrigation, Fisheries, Civil Defense, and other relevant departments. The center will operate round the clock to ensure rapid response and coordination in any emergency.
The meeting was attended by DPO Swat Muhammad Umar, ADC (Finance/Relief & Human Rights) Syed Noman Ali Shah, all Assistant and Additional Assistant Commissioners (via video link), Rescue 1122, Irrigation, Civil Defense, TMA officers, DEOs (Male/Female), and heads of all relevant departments.