Protection of citizens’ lives and property is our top priority: DC Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Mar, 2026) Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram has directed relevant departments to accelerate the cleaning of drains and improve the city’s sanitation system to prevent possible flash floods during the upcoming rains, stating that protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the district administration’s top priority.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office regarding drain cleaning, solid waste management and other civic issues in the city. The meeting reviewed measures for timely cleaning of drains, prevention of flash floods and improvement of the sanitation system.

During the meeting, the XEN Irrigation briefed participants on ongoing work related to drain cleaning and improvement of choke points. The Deputy Commissioner also directed authorities to intensify action against the sale of plastic shopping bags to help reduce environmental pollution and prevent blockages in drains.

To resolve sanitation issues around Mandian College Road, the TMA and WASA were directed to carry out a rotational cleaning campaign, while relevant departments were instructed to take immediate steps to address the water issue on Jinnah Bagh Road.

Expressing concern over an incident in Niazi Colony, where a woman fell into a drain, the Deputy Commissioner directed the ADC Relief and Human Rights to issue notices to the concerned departments under the NDMA Act.

In view of the rainy season and potential emergencies, WASA, the Cantonment board, TMAs, and Local Government departments were instructed to establish emergency teams to ensure a quick response in case of any untoward situation.

The meeting also reviewed sanitation arrangements for Eid-ul-Fitr and directed the Cantonment Board, TMAs, WASA and Local Government to ensure timely disposal of solid waste and cleaning of drains.

Considering the expected influx of tourists to Galiyat during Eid holidays, the GDA was instructed to keep machinery operational and ensure staff availability, while the SSP Traffic and Assistant Commissioner Galiyat were directed to make arrangements for traffic management and deployment of tourism police.

The SSP Traffic also highlighted traffic issues on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), after which the National Highway Authority (NHA) and other relevant departments were directed to take necessary measures.

The Deputy Commissioner further instructed the NHA to improve Mansehra Road, including correction of U-turns, installation of cat eyes, removal of unnecessary speed breakers, road leveling and repair of potholes, besides taking action against illegal pushcarts operating along the road.