The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government withdrew the director general of Rescue KP and the director general of the Upper Swat Development Authority after the recent tourist drowning in the Swat river, officials said on Tuesday.
The provincial inspection team submitted a report accused the SWAT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY for administrative delays, reported News.
The report has also raised concerns about the lack of technical expertise of the DG Rescue in the management of these emergencies.
The incident, in which several tourists have drowned due to a delayed rescue operation, had already led the provincial government to suspend six officers earlier.
Read: A sudden increase in water caused a swat tragedy
As part of the latest action, the KP Rescue DG services were handed over to the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), while the CEO of Swat Development Authority has been withdrawn from its seat and has attributed a non -operational role, effectively removing it from active administrative duties.
Commissioner’s conclusions
The decisions follow a detailed report submitted by the Malakand Commissioner to an inquiry committee investigating the mismanagement of the rescue operation.
Swat drowns have aroused criticism of the lack of emergency preparation in the region, especially during tourist tip seasons.
Find out more: Construction along the Swat river has diverted water flow, leading tourists in danger: report
Disciplinary measures of the provincial government highlight the growing concerns concerning the mechanisms of tourism security and the crisis in the region.
According to official reports, 17 tourists – 10 from Sialkot, six from Mardan, and a resident – were taken in flood waters after entering the river in Khwazakhela despite visible risks.
Four tourists were rescued, while 12 bodies were recovered. Rescue efforts for a missing person are underway.
The provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) described the flood level as “very high”. The sudden push passed the speed of the Swat river from 6,738 to 77,782 Cuses in a few hours, leaving little chance that those who are trapped return safely.
Read also: DC Swat deleted, four suspended officials
An investigation revealed that the nearby construction along the river had changed its natural flow, causing deceptively low water levels on the site.
It misled tourists and they entered the river. A hotel security officer would have tried to stop them, but they bypassed the main entrance and accessed the river at the rear. Within 14 minutes of entry, the increase in water levels caused a distress call at 9:45 a.m.
The rescue teams arrived at 10:05 am – 20 minutes after the call. Before the incident, the first flood alerts were issued by the irrigation service at 8:41 a.m.
Official warnings were sent to the assistant commissioners of Swat, Charsadda and Nowshera, as well as the PDMA and other relevant authorities. A formal flood alert followed at 10:30 am.
The report noted that article 144, prohibiting swimming and marina navigation in the Swat river, had been imposed from June 24, but the application remained lax.
