36 low-lying areas declared as ‘high-risk’ zones

With the onset of the monsoon season, the Rawalpindi district administration has declared 36 low-lying areas in the city and cantonment as high-risk zones due to being the most vulnerable in the face of the potential threat of urban flooding.

For the first time, nine senior field officers, including three assistant commissioners, have been assigned field duty to monitor the flood situation.

These designated officers will assume responsibility for supervising anti-encroachment operations on drainage systems, coordinating relief efforts in high-risk areas during episodes of urban flooding and overseeing the cleaning of adjoining drains connected to Nullah Leh.

To ensure effective monitoring of the officers' performance, supervisory powers have been granted to the additional deputy commissioner of revenue. Additionally, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has issued an official notification regarding the field postings of all the officers.

According to the district administration, the Rawalpindi city and cantonment areas are under severe threat of urban flooding for which 36 areas have been declared as high-risk while nine officers will remain on field duty.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance and Planning Ramisha Javed has been assigned the responsibilities in the Gawalmandi and Dhok Ratta areas of Cantt which are likely to be affected by urban flooding. Assistant Commissioner City Dr Zunaira Faraz will perform duty in Katarian, Pirwadhai and Bangash Colony. Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) Officer Imran Zaidi will perform duty in Sharon Colony and Javed Colony adjacent to River Soan.

Assistant Commissioner Saddar Almas Sabih will perform duty in low-lying areas of Ziaul Haq Colony, Dhok Najo and Khayaban-e-Sir Syed. District Council Officer Noshia Afzal will perform duty at Boring Road Dhok Matkyal, Meher Colony, Dhok Hasu and Hazara Colony.

RMC Officer Rafaqat Gondal will perform duty in low-lying areas of Dhok Elahi Buksh and Sadiqabad. Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Mirza Saleem will be bound to perform duty in low-lying areas Dhok Dallal and Chungi No 4.

To control water flow in case of urban flooding, Cantt Assistant Commissioner Qandeel Fatima will perform duty in Aslam Market, Tali Mohri, Faisal Colony, Bakra Mandi and at Tench Akhiri Bus Stop. Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Nausheen Isarar will perform duty at low-lying areas of Rawalpindi Cantt Board John Colony, Tench Bhatta, Banaras Colony and Range Road.

Sources revealed that previously lower staff used to oversee the flood situation in Nullah Leh whereas officers would assess the situation from their offices, However, after strict orders from the caretaker Punjab chief minister, the district administration decided to deploy senior officers in the field.

In case of urban flooding, all senior officers will remain present in the field and will provide direct updates to the district administration as well as the provincial government.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2023.