In the past 10 days, seven people have fallen victim to the unforgiving waters of the Swat River. Among them, a young girl was rescued alive, three bodies have been recovered, and the search for the remaining three continues. The victims are primarily children and young adults, all under the age of 25.
During the hot summer months of June, July, and August, the Swat River attracts many visitors, especially young people, who seek relief from the heat by bathing or swimming. Unfortunately, due to carelessness and lack of swimming knowledge, many of these youths drown.
Shafiqa Gul, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 in Swat, informed TNN that seven people have drowned in the river in the last ten days. She recounted a recent rescue where a 12-year-old girl was saved by Rescue 1122 personnel and promptly transferred to Bricot Hospital for treatment.
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Tragically, on June 24, 9-year-old Subhan Daral drowned in the Arian area of Tehsil Bahrain and remains missing. The same day, two youths, Gohar and Liaqat, drowned in the Swat River at Fizagat Bypass. While Gohar’s body has been recovered, the search for Liaqat continues.
Similarly, on June 25, 15-year-old Ameer Hamza drowned near Kanju Bridge, and another youth, Akbaruddin, drowned in the Shakardara area of Matta Tehsil. Rescue 1122 and volunteer Muhammad Hilal recovered Ameer Hamza's body the same day.
On June 26, Rescue 1122 personnel recovered the body of Farman Ali from Shangla district during their ongoing search operations. The efforts to locate Akbaruddin and Liaqat, as well as 9-year-old Subhan, continue for the third consecutive day.
Despite a notification issued by the district administration on June 7, 2024, completely banning bathing, swimming, and boating in the Swat River, these incidents persist. The notification, issued under Section 144 of the Penal Code by District Magistrate Swat/Deputy Commissioner Swat Shahzad Mehboob, aims to curb the dangers posed by the river, yet enforcement remains lax.
The notification highlights the risks posed to both locals and tourists who frequent the river during summer, leading to multiple drowning incidents each year. Violators of this ban face prosecution under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
However, the question arises: Is issuing a notification sufficient for the district administration to absolve itself of responsibility? Should Rescue 1122 only be tasked with recovering bodies, or should the district administration take concrete steps to ensure public safety through awareness campaigns and practical measures?
It is crucial to examine what, if any, practical steps have been implemented so far. Has the district administration deployed lifeguards along the Swat River banks? Reports suggest that illegal mining in the Swat River contributes to the drowning incidents. If true, what actions have been taken by the district administration to address this issue?
The complete ban on bathing in the Swat River may appear as a solution, but it also raises concerns about the rights of those seeking relief from the heat. Could the district administration not designate safer areas for public bathing to mitigate the risks?
TNN attempted to contact district administration officials to address these concerns but was unable to reach anyone, leaving these critical questions unanswered.
In 2023, 55 people drowned in the Swat River. According to Rescue 1122 data, 28 people have drowned from January 1 to June 26 this year. This alarming number underscores the urgent need for institutions to take effective measures to protect the lives of children and youth.
27 Jun, 2024
