The district administration of Upper Swat has announced a comprehensive safety audit of boats operating at tourist destinations following a rise in boat capsizing incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The initiative aims to improve tourist safety by inspecting boats, enforcing safety standards and introducing stricter regulations for boating services. Authorities believe these measures will help prevent future accidents and ensure safer recreational activities at popular tourist spots.
The administration has also started the registration process for boating operators, particularly at Mahodand Lake, one of the province’s most visited tourist attractions.
Comprehensive Survey of Boats Begins
Officials confirmed that every boat operating at tourist locations in Upper Swat will undergo a detailed inspection.
The survey will determine which boats meet the required safety standards and which pose a potential risk to tourists.
Authorities will carefully assess the fitness and operational condition of each boat. Boats that fail to meet the prescribed safety requirements will not be allowed to continue operating.
The administration said the inspection aims to safeguard both visitors and their property while promoting safer tourism across the district.
Mahodand Lake Registration Process Underway
Alongside the safety survey, officials have launched the registration process for boating services at Mahodand Lake.
The lake attracts thousands of visitors every year, making safety measures especially important.
Under the new policy, no boat will be permitted to operate without obtaining a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Authorities expect the registration system to improve oversight and ensure that only approved operators provide boating services.
Operators Required to Submit Records
The district administration has directed all boating operators to provide their records and relevant documents.
Officials are collecting operational information from every service provider as part of the verification process.
Once the documents are reviewed, the complete record will be forwarded to the Tehsil Municipal Officer (TMO).
The TMO will verify the information before issuing the required certification and No Objection Certificates to eligible operators.
Focus on Tourist Safety
According to the district administration, the primary objective is to regulate boating activities in accordance with legal requirements while improving public safety.
Authorities believe stronger oversight will reduce the chances of future accidents at Mahodand Lake and other tourist destinations across Upper Swat.
The administration also hopes the new measures will build greater confidence among visitors by ensuring that only safe and properly inspected boats remain in operation.
With the boating safety audit, mandatory registration and NOC requirement now in place, Upper Swat is taking significant steps to strengthen safety standards and minimise risks for tourists visiting the region’s scenic lakes and recreational sites.
