Indus erosion breaches embankment in Mianwali, nearby villages on alert

MIANWALI: A protective embankment in the Muhammad Sharif Wali area of Mianwali has given way after severe erosion along the Indus River, prompting warnings for nearby communities as officials prepare for a possible rise in water levels.

Although the river is currently flowing at a relatively low level and floodwater has not entered adjoining villages, residents say any increase in discharge could place surrounding settlements in immediate danger.

Local residents said they had repeatedly asked the district administration over the past several months to act against the advancing erosion, but alleged that effective measures were not taken in time. They said official activity intensified only two days ago, after the erosion had already worsened sharply, and the embankment collapsed early on Saturday.

MNA Jamal Ahsan Khan visited the breached site and criticised the district administration over what he called negligence in dealing with the threat. He said he had earlier raised the issue in writing with the Speaker of the National Assembly and had also informed the Sargodha commissioner and district authorities, but no meaningful response followed.

Khan said more than 12,000 kanals of land had already been washed away by the river and that nearby settlements were now at risk.

The deputy commissioner said the administration was making every possible effort to protect local communities from potential flooding. He urged residents of Muhammad Sharif Wali to cooperate with authorities and move temporarily to safer places as a precaution.

He added that rescue teams were continuing relief and preparedness work in flood-prone riverine belts, while Rescue 1122 personnel and other departments had been directed to remain on high alert for any emergency.

Erosion threat widens in Piplan

Riverbank erosion has also intensified in the Doaba Dhangana area of Piplan tehsil, where locals say the advancing river is now threatening a nearby highway.

Residents and community representatives in the area alleged that despite millions of rupees being spent on erosion-control work, the situation had continued to deteriorate because of poor planning and ineffective implementation. They also accused successive governments of making political promises without carrying out meaningful mitigation measures.