KP to introduce ‘River Protection Amendment Act 2025’

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced its intention to amend existing legislation related to river protection. The proposed bill will introduce a series of measures designed to safeguard the province’s rivers and surrounding ecosystems, and is expected to be passed into law as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa River Protection Amendment Act, 2025.

The proposed amendments address both environmental concerns and public health. Among the proposals is a provision that will designate a 200-foot buffer zone along all rivers as protected land. This will restrict development activities in these sensitive areas and help preserve vital ecosystems.

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In line with combating the growing effects of climate change, the bill also includes provisions for planting trees along riverbanks. This initiative aims to reduce soil erosion, mitigate flood risks, and enhance the overall environmental health of the region.

Another key proposal mandates that individuals or companies wishing to construct bridges, hotels, homes, or any other infrastructure within 200 feet of a river must first obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities. This measure is designed to ensure that all construction activities comply with environmental regulations and do not harm the rivers.

In a move to address pollution, the proposed bill stipulates that any new construction within the protected zone must include a sewage treatment plant to prevent untreated sewage from entering the river system. This requirement extends to all buildings, including hotels, homes, and commercial properties.

One of the most notable aspects of the draft legislation is a significant increase in fines for those caught releasing untreated sewage into rivers. The fine, which currently stands at Rs 10,000, is set to rise to Rs 100,000 under the new law. This measure is aimed at deterring environmental violations and ensuring stricter compliance.

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The draft also introduces provisions to tackle illegal encroachments along riverbanks. A seven-day notice period will be required for the removal of encroachments, with seven years’ imprisonment for those who fail to comply with the notice.

The Law Department has already prepared the draft bill and sent it to the Irrigation Department for further review. It is expected to be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval soon.