ISLAMABAD: In a major policy shift aimed at preventing future flood disasters, the government has announced a comprehensive plan to clear illegal structures and settlements from riverbanks across the country. Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik stated on Tuesday that the new flood management policy will focus on establishing protected flood zones and removing any encroachment obstructing natural water flow, all within a strict 10-month deadline.
A Zero-Tolerance Approach to Encroachments
Speaking to a private news channel, Dr. Malik underscored the government’s resolve to tackle the issue head-on. He emphasized that every illegal structure, whether a building or a small settlement that stands in the way of a river’s natural course, will be removed. This move is being undertaken in close coordination with provincial governments, ensuring a unified national effort.
Dr. Malik made it clear that there will be no extensions to the 10-month deadline. The government is committed to a zero-tolerance approach, recognizing that these encroachments have exacerbated the impact of recent floods and posed a direct threat to lives and property downstream. The new policy represents a proactive strategy to address a long-standing issue that has made Pakistan more vulnerable to climate-related disasters. By clearing these natural water routes, the government hopes to create a more resilient system for managing floods in the years to come.
