Monsoon flooding: Gypsies along Leh at risk of being swept away

Smaller gutters from across the city converge at the storm drain.

RAWALPINDI:

Gypsies camped along Nullah Leh might be swept away if the water level in the storm water drain swells past a certain level.

Over a dozen cottages have been set up along the nullah, starting from Marrier Hassan to Dhoke Chirag Din.

But these people have not been warned or asked to relocate by the Punjab government or the local authorities concerned despite the looming danger to their lives.

Residents of the areas expressed concern over safety of these dwellers, which have been living in their makeshift cottages along the drain for many months.

Smaller gutters from across the city converge at Nullah Leh, causing its water level to rise during heavy rainfall. In such a case, the dwellers could be swept away along with their cottages, a neighbour said.

“They are not safe there and someone needs to tell them to leave. Right now they are waiting for a tragedy to strike them,” he added.

When contacted, Rawal Town Administrator Saif Anwar Jappa said they were removing all encroachments along Leh and also demolished some houses near New Katarian a few days ago. He added the administration is currently focusing on removing encroachments from the natural bed of Leh and from its banks, where the gypsies have established temporary settlements.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2011.