Residents seek regular cleaning of nullahs

Sanitation official says mechanism to be devised for garbage disposal, monitoring system

ISLAMABAD:

Residents of the federal capital have demanded that the civic authorities clean up the city's nullahs and storm drains which have become a constant nuisance for residents and a health hazard.

Residents of Sectors G-7, I-8 and I-10 respectively said that they have complained to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) about that persistent odour and a foul smell emanating from the nullahs prompting health-related concerns.

They further claimed that due to the negligence of the civic agencies, the natural streams of the capital have been flooded with heaps of garbage and household refuse which has made the lives of people miserable who live beside those nullahs downstream.

Ali Rizwan, a resident of Sector I-8 which is bisected by a giant nullah, said that several inhabitants are suffering from respiratory and other diseases due to the pollution in these drains.

Javed Khan, who lives in the nearby Sector I-10, urged the IMC to ensure the provision of dumpsters near these nullahs so that the citizens can throw the garbage into that instead of the stream.

Zubair Ahmed, a resident of Sector G-7 - through which multiple small streams and drains pass, said that the nullah was full of garbage. Those living along it were people suffering from serious health issues such as skin, respiratory problems among others.

"A cleanliness drive for nullahs should be initiated regularly to ensure a smooth flow of water from drains," he said.

When CDA Sanitation Director Sardar Zimri said that people living on both banks of the nullahs are responsible for polluting these streams by dumping their garbage into it.

"Staff is regularly visiting these areas while a cleanliness drive is underway,” he said, adding that the nullahs are regularly cleaned as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2020.