Work on de-silting and dredging of the massive storm drain that bisects Rawalpindi, Nullah Leh, has been almost completed to prevent urban flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.
Officials of the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) on Wednesday estimated that around 90 per cent the dredging and de-silting work on the Nullah Leh has been completed so far by 13 excavators, 50 dumper trucks and four loaders.
They added that Wasa teams are still de-silting and dredging the banks of the Nullah Leh at two points, including Paghwari and the Newtown Bridge using heavy excavators. Work on cleaning a section of Nullah Leh from Moti Mehal to Sawan has also commenced to prevent flooding in the garrison city.
Moreover, for the first time in the history of the authority, a private company has been included in the cleaning process. Previously, the task was only handled by teams from Wasa and the district administration.
Wasa Assistant Director (AD) Umar Farooq said that a rain emergency had been enforced in the city from June 15 to September 15, adding that the authority has decided to park heavy machinery at different spots along Nullah Leh during the monsoon season for quick reaction. The officer hoped once the ongoing cleaning activity is complete, all storm drains of the city will be cleaned as well.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2020.
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