Secretary PHE, Irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department Farooq Ahmad Shah today toured Jhelum and Flood Spill Channels embankments to take stock of pace of ongoing beautification works.
During his visit, he directed officials of I&FC to ban any kind of construction of roads on sides of the bank, as they can weaken embankments.
He directed that no electric pole shall be installed on the banks of rivers and there should be a complete ban on laying of water pipes on these banks.
He said that these steps should be strictly implemented as there is an apprehension that water leakage can weaken the bunds which in turn can prove dangerous.
He said the department is committed to strengthen the entire embankments and no compromise will be tolerated in this regard.
He said if any official or officer is found guilty of not following the orders, strict action, as per law, will be initiated against him.
Officers of I&FC department accompanied the secretary and informed him about various works alongside the bund. The secretary was informed that once the entire project is completed, the entire bund will regain its pristine glory and it can become an added attraction for locals and tourists alike, besides greatly reducing future flood risks.