WASA gets Rs30m for de-silting Nullah Leh

Seeks Rs20m additional funds for executing the plan

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has completed the annual silt cleaning plan for the 17-km-long Nullah Leh, which causes urban floods during the monsoon season every year. According to official sources, Rs30 million have been initially released for the plan however, the funds have been declared insufficient and another Rs20 million have been sought on an immediate basis.

The silt cleaning will be started immediately after Eidul Fitr, which will be completed by June 30, they said. Notices have also been issued for the removal of around 300 small and large makeshift huts, and illegal enclosures for animals on the banks of the main nullah. Meanwhile, WASA Managing Director Mohammad Tanveer inspected the nullah from New Katarian to High Court Road and checked the flow of water in the nullah.

This year, it has been decided to involve the private sector through tenders for better silt cleaning, sources informed. They said with the increase in fuel prices, the silt cleaning costs have also increased. WASA MD has directed the directorates concerned and subordinate staff to bring the depth and width of the nullah back to its original by cleaning it properly.

During the cleanup drive, heavy machinery will transfer garbage from Nullah Leh to places outside the city. Apart from this, silt cleaning of 10 major rain drains flowing across the city will also start from the first week of May. The cleaning will be done by the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation for which it has also asked for funds worth Rs50 million urgently.