- Administration negligence, mining accused of disaster.
- No timely warnings issued before deadly water wave.
- Illegal mining changed the SWAT RIVER’s natural streams.
SWAT: As the death toll from the Swat River tragedy increased to 12, questions have arisen about administrative lapse, illegal river -bed mining and delayed rescue operations that may have worsened the disaster.
The incident took place on Friday when 17 members of a Sialkot family were swept away with a sudden wave in the Swat River while they picnic near the bank. Harrowing videos circulated on social media showed the family stranded on a quick shrinking island of land and called for help for almost an hour without immediate rescue in sight.
So far, 12 bodies have been regained, including a child found in Charsadda on Sunday. Search is still in progress as a person remains missing.
Although this year’s flood has not reached the extent of destruction seen in 2010 or 2022, the damage has been significant. The flood allegedly rose from areas such as Khwazakhela, Manglor and Malam Jabba regions not typically associated with the original climb of the river – by getting unexpected and dangerous conditions downstream.
Observers point to the authority’s failure to send out timely warnings such as a key factor. Had early warnings been conveyed and residents aimed at safer places, it is believed that some lives could have been spared.
Illegal riverbed mining
Illegal mining along the SWAT River is also under control. The unregulated excavation of gravel and sand from the riverbed has changed its natural trajectory seriously.
The use of heavy machinery has led to the formation of Roof and Hauger in the river, hindering water flow and potentially contributed to dangerous waves during floods.
These activities are reportedly continued in general vision and raising concerns about legislative enforcement.
Delayed rescue, lack of equipment
The rescue operation itself has come under fire. Despite being stationed only 3 to 4 kilometers from the scene, the Rescue 1122 team allegedly took 19 minutes to arrive and were poorly equipped, lack of boats, ropes and trained divers. Equipment had to be ordered during surgery and arrived too late to make a meaningful difference.
In addition, attention has turned to intervention along the river bank. Critics have questioned how structures were allowed to be built within 200 meters from the river in violation of the safety regulations.
Although the government has since launched a crash on such illegal constructions, there are calls for accountability against the officials who issued No-objection certificates (NOCS) and building permits.
Intervention, violation questioned
Concerns have also been raised about the righteousness of the anti-human-encroachment-driven with accusations that enforcement may be selective. Observers emphasize that in order for the operation to be effective and accepted by the public, it must be performed without bias, regardless of the socio -economic or political status of those affected.
In response to the incident, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced a complete ban on mining along the riverbed and initiated a provincial operation to remove illegal structures.
KP chief secretary Shahab Ali Shah announced that the crash would expand to all unauthorized constructions, including hotels built too close to rivers, as part of a broader effort to prevent future tragedy.
The authorities are now under increased pressure to tackle the systemic problems that have contributed to the deadly incident and to implement reforms that prioritize security and accountability.
