Khairuddin Shadani
CHITRAL: Sudden flash floods in Garam Chashma have destroyed multiple villages, including Munoor, Bashqir, Yoojoo, leaving many families homeless.
Locals say the disaster was intensified by illegal encroachments, unregulated sand and gravel mining, and construction along riverbanks that obstructed the natural water flow.
Environmental degradation, caused by unauthorized development and riverbed exploitation, has narrowed the natural course of rivers in Upper Chitral, increasing the risk of floods during extreme weather events.
Residents are demanding immediate action from the district administration, including a strict ban on:
- Private construction on river land
- Artificial lake-building for illegal bird hunting
- Tree planting that disrupts water flow
The community is urging the Deputy Commissioner, DPO, SDPO, and SHO Lotkoh to take swift measures to remove all encroachments and prevent future disasters.
With homes and property swept away, affected families are calling for immediate relief efforts and a sustainable flood prevention strategy to protect Garam Chashma and surrounding areas from further climate-related catastrophes.