KP CM Orders Action After Swat Flash Flood Tragedy: Officials Found Negligent
PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has ordered strict disciplinary action against government officials whose negligence contributed to the devastating flash flood in the Swat River on June 27, which tragically claimed 14 lives, including 10 from a single family.
According to an official statement from the CM Secretariat, a detailed inquiry report has revealed major lapses across multiple departments, including the district administration, Irrigation Department, Local Government, and Rescue 1122.
📋 Findings of the Investigation Report
The 63-page report by the Provincial Inspection Team (PIT) highlighted multiple failings, particularly in the execution of weather alerts issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Key issues identified include:
-
Poor coordination among police, rescue, and administrative departments
-
Failure of early warning systems
-
Lack of timely alerts to tourists and hotel guests
-
Delayed response and inadequate equipment by Rescue 1122
-
No clear responsibilities for riverside safety enforcement
-
Weak enforcement of Section 144, which restricts public access to hazardous zones
-
Absence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for public safety during monsoons
-
Vague regulations enabling unchecked riverfront construction
🛑 Disciplinary Action & Reform Measures
Following the findings, the Chief Minister has directed relevant departments to initiate disciplinary action within 60 days. In addition, the report recommended:
-
Drafting new legislation to control riverfront construction
-
Introducing strict safety protocols and regulatory reforms within 30 days
-
Developing and enforcing building safety codes
-
Creating an oversight committee led by the KP Chief Secretary
-
Using PIT recommendations as performance benchmarks for departments
-
Enhancing Rescue 1122’s training and equipment capacity
-
Including river safety modules in the upcoming monsoon contingency plan
-
Launching a public awareness campaign for monsoon safety
🏗️ Post-Flood Action: Crackdown on River Encroachments
In response, the KP government has initiated a province-wide crackdown on illegal riverfront construction:
-
127 structures sealed
-
682+ kanals of unlawful buildings demolished
-
1,874 kanals of encroached land identified; 1,019 kanals cleared
-
609 km of riverbeds marked for monitoring
-
174 safety barriers installed in high-risk areas
⚠️ A Call for Accountability and Reform
Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized the urgency of implementing institutional reforms and enforcing public safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transparent accountability, effective governance, and citizen protection during the monsoon season.
Stay informed. Stay safe. For official flood alerts and safety updates, follow NDMA and your local authorities.
