Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Inspection Team has submitted its 63-page inquiry report to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, which recommends uncompromising measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The report also called for disciplinary action against those who were found negligent.

The report points out lapses on the part of government officials and departments during the tragic incident in Swat.

The chief minister has approved the proposed action, and departments including the district administration, irrigation, local government, and Rescue 1122, have been directed to implement the measures within 60 days.

It also identifies a lack of coordination between police, the irrigation department, Rescue 1122, and tourism police.

An accurate and timely response would have prevented the tragedy if a strong coordination plan between the departments had been put into action.

The report states that despite issuing advisories, hotel owners and other stakeholders failed to warn tourists about the risks, and Rescue 1122’s response was also delayed, which makes their working mechanism and abilities questionable.

According to the report, there was an absence of a clear regulatory framework for riverbank activities.

The violation of existing laws regarding tourism and construction near waterways was witnessed.

The report also highlights the challenges in enforcing Section 144 in high-risk areas.

To address these concerns, the report recommends developing new protocols and a regulatory framework for river safety and building regulations, along with enhanced inter-departmental coordination for disaster management.

Following the incident, the provincial and local governments have taken several actions, including sealing 127 illegal buildings, demolishing structures spread over 682 kanals of land, and demarcating 609 kilometres of riverbeds. Additionally, 174 safety barriers have been installed.

In a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, approval was given for the procurement of advanced rescue equipment and the establishment of 36 prefab Rescue 1122 stations for Rs66 million.

Another Rs739 million has been allocated for purchasing modern rescue tools, while Rs608 million will be used to establish 70 compact rescue stations.

A digital monitoring system worth Rs 200 million has also been approved.

The meeting also decided that awareness campaigns will be launched across the province through the departments of information, relief, and tourism to educate the public on precautionary measures to avoid natural disasters.