Pakistan

Admin speeds up clearing encroachment along Nullah Leh

Over 200 volunteers have been deployed in Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Rattaamral, New Katarian

APP July 22, 2017

Earthmoving machinery taking part in the Nullah Leh operation are parked at Liaquat Bagh. PHOTO: NNI

RAWALPINDI: In order to mitigate damage wrought by flood during the monsoon season, particularly in low-lying areas of the garrison city, the civil administration has accelerated its anti-encroachment operation along the banks of Nullah Leh.

Encroachment along the banks of Nullah Leh was being demolished in the operation, an official of the Deputy Commissioner Office said on Friday.

In the even of any flooding, all operational responsibilities will be on Rescue-1122 while relief activities will be carried out by civil defence, he added.

Moreover, leaves of civil defence personnel and volunteers have been cancelled and they have been directed to remain red alert.

Over 200 volunteers have been deployed in low-lying areas including Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Rattaamral, New Katarian and other vulnerable points.

The Punjab government has also set up relief camps. These camps would function in case of a flood and would remain dormant until an emergency arises.

In the event of a flood, a contingent of 111 Brigade will also remain on red alert.

The Punjab government has also increased compensation amount for the heirs of the victims of natural calamities from Rs500,000 to Rs800,000.

Meanwhile, Water and Sewerage Agency (Wasa) Managing Director Raja Shoukat Mahmood said that they had divided the city into four zones including Liaquat Bagh, Bagh Sardaran, Satellite Town and Khyabane Sir Syed. Moreover, arrangements have been made to pump out rainwater from flooded areas, particularly from low-lying areas.

He added that a control room has been set up to monitor the flood situation in the city.

Talking about the Nullah Leh, he said that dredging and de-silting work on the storm drain had been completed before monsoons started.

Mahmood said strict action would be taken against those found dumping garbage, building material and solid waste in the nullahs and cases will also be registered against the violators.

On July 13, more than 118 mm of rain was recorded and Nullah Lai rose to 18 feet but no loss of life was reported due to better management and alertness of the departments, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2017.