The Punjab government has imposed an immediate ban on Wednesday on the construction of new houses along the banks of the River Ravi. Heavy fines will be imposed on violators and they might be put behind bars, official sources said. It is pertinent to mention that thousands of families had been constructing houses illegally along the river’s banks and various government agencies failed to check this illegal practice.
According to a survey, hundreds of families are now residing on the dry river bed, without considering the danger of a sudden rise in the water level. An IRSA department official said there are strong chances that large scale damages may occur if India releases water into the river. He said the mushrooming of the population close to the Ravi could be dangerous, especially in summers. According to a source of the City District Government, a strong land mafia is operating with an interest to construct more ‘katchi abadis’ in the area.
