Plan afoot to desilt Pindi’s stormwater drains

The Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation (RMC), District Council, and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) have finalised the plan to desilt the 23-kilometre Nullah Leh and 11 major rain drains flowing in the city and cantonment areas.

In this regard, services of private firms will be hired for cleaning these major stormwater drains for which regular tenders have already been issued.

In addition, a flood rescue plan has been approved to protect Rawalpindi from potential flood disasters.

According to sources, a total of Rs71.8 million will be spent on cleaning the drains which will begin on May 15 and will be completed by June 15, ahead of the pre-monsoon season, starting on June 15.

The sources said WASA has called for applications from private parties until May 4 to ensure proper cleaning and Rs30 million has already been allocated for the cleanup. An additional Rs20 million has also been sought due to the recent increase in diesel and petrol prices.

The district council has issued funds of Rs3.5 million for the cleaning of the major flood drain of Chontra and Rs3.375 million for Chak Jalaludin and sought tenders from private firms until May 3.

The RMC will provide funds of Rs30.5 million for the proper cleaning of 11 major rain drains flowing across the city. The cleanup will start on May 15, and light and heavy machinery will be used to ensure effective cleaning.

Provincial Health Minister Dr Jamal Nasir has emphasised the importance of the thorough cleaning of storm drains and nullahs. “Where the channels and pathways are narrow, their width and crookedness will be straightened and deepened so that the drainage of flood water is made faster,” he said.

On the other hand, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has also stressed the need for public cooperation. “With the imposition of Section 144, throwing garbage, litter and building material in rain drains will be banned and cases will be registered against the violators,” he warned.

WASA spokesperson Umar Farooq said the WASA's preparations for the drain cleaning were complete and vacations of staff would be cancelled during the monsoon season. “According to the plan, as soon as the rain starts, staff including machinery will reach the underpasses and low-lying areas,” he said.

“The commissioner, deputy commissioner, and WASA’s managing director will directly monitor the situation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the RMC has issued notices to 120 illegal squatters and encroachers on the banks of all 11 rain drains and ordered them to vacate the premises within two weeks, saying an operation against encroachment will be conducted in the first week of May.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2023.