The city district government on Friday said that bathing and swimming were banned in the Bambanwala Ravi Bedian Depalpur Link Canal (BRB) and 12 sections on the Lahore Branch Canal.
According to the city district government, the BRB Canal’s depth varies from 14 to 18 feet. Given the high water velocity it is considered “dangerous” for amateur swimmers.
The deep points on the branch canal include Bheni, Jandiala, Bhaseen, Attoki Awan, Kahara, Laboo Pura, Padri Burki, Karbath (two points), Heer Jahman.
The Irrigation and Power Department has installed barbed wires at the deep sections near Harbanspura, Dharampura, Ferozepur Road, Punjab University, Samsani and Thokar Niaz Baig.
Civil Defence has also deputed 25 life guards along the sections of the canal where bathing is allowed to respond to any emergency. Notices have also been displayed at these points.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2013.