Harno River: 20 illegal structures dismantled in Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD: The district administration launched a decisive anti-encroachment operation in the river Harno here on Tuesday, prioritizing public safety with the advent of the flooding season.

More than 20 illegal structures, occupying critical drainage land, were dismantled in the operation with the help of heavy machinery. “The crackdown targets encroachments on over 1,000 kanals of government-owned drainage land across the district,” said an official.

The officials stated the urgent removal was essential to prevent potential loss of life and property during monsoon floods, specifically taking aim at groups illegally occupying these vital water channels.

During the operation, authorities confirmed the legitimacy of an under-construction amusement park owned by overseas Pakistani businessman Abid Ali. The project, possessing valid approvals from the Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Irrigation Department, was cleared of any wrongdoing. The administration suggested that recent controversy surrounding this specific project may have been an attempt to distract from or obstruct action against genuine illegal encroachments.

“This local action aligns with stringent directives from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government,” said an official. The chief secretary has ordered all divisional commissioners, regional police officers (RPOs) and deputy commissioners (DCs) to immediately launch comprehensive anti-encroachment drives.

The focus is on removing unauthorised structures within the notified or natural boundaries of rivers, streams, and flood channels. Crucially, officials must map and demarcate these waterways to prevent future re-encroachment and ensure long-term regulation.

Field administrations must submit detailed compliance reports within 10 days, including geotagged photos, a record of actions taken and certification from relevant departments.The government warned that failure to act decisively would result in administrative consequences and officials could be held responsible for preventable disaster-related losses stemming from inaction.