Egypt Intensifies Crackdown on Nile River Encroachments, Removing Over 1,000 Violations

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam has confirmed that ongoing operations to immediately remove all encroachments on the Nile River and its two branches are pressing forward in close coordination with state and security agencies, governorates, and other relevant authorities.

Sewilam recently reviewed a detailed report submitted by Head of the Nile River and Branches Development and Protection Sector Abu Bakr al-Rouby. The report outlined the latest progress under the National Project for Regulating the Nile River and its Branches, alongside updates from the ongoing 30th nationwide campaign.

According to the data, 186 violations have been successfully cleared under the national project, raising the total number of removals completed so far to 1,024. Meanwhile, the 30th campaign continues to actively target 2,813 recorded encroachments.

Emphasizing the urgency of the mission, Sewilam stated that efforts under the national project will proceed without interruption alongside the 30th campaign. The primary objectives are to restore order to the waterway, preserve the Nile’s watercourse, and enhance its overall capacity to manage water flows.

Furthermore, the minister issued directives to maintain rigorous monitoring across the Nile and its branches, promising decisive legal action against any detected offenders. He stressed the absolute necessity of preventing removed violations from re-emerging to ensure long-term protection for the river.

These comprehensive operations are being executed in strict compliance with state directives aimed at eliminating all encroachments, protecting the river as a vital lifeline, safeguarding national resources, and preserving the rights of future generations.