WASA gets Rs80m for Leh desilting

Rawalpindi, Chaklala cantonments yet to prepare plan for cleaning rain drains

RAWALPINDI:

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has received Rs80 million for the annual desilting of Nullah Leh, a 16 km drain in Rawalpindi city and Cantt, ahead of the monsoon season.

The funds will be utilised to prepare a "Monsoon Flood Protection Plan" by June 7, with tenders and work orders to be issued by June 15.

The cleaning process, divided into two parts, will commence on June 12 and is expected to be completed by July 13, just before the flood season begins on July 15. The first part will focus on the 8 km stretch from New Katarian Bridge to Ganjmandi Bridge. The phase is estimated to cost Rs40 million. The second part will cover the 8 km stretch from Ganjmandi Bridge to Murree Road Rialto Chowk Bridge with an estimated cost of Rs30.8 million.

A spokesperson for the department said WASA has formed teams for the cleaning process, which will continue even during the flood season. Small machinery has been procured for the thorough cleaning of small and narrow rainy drains. The soil and garbage removed from the drains will be disposed of elsewhere.

To prevent waste and building material from being thrown into drains, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has imposed a ban under Section 144 from June 1.

He said violators will face arrests, legal cases, and imprisonment for six months, along with a fine of Rs0.3 million.

Moreover, rescue teams have been formed under the Monsoon Safety Plan to ensure water drainage in low-lying areas, underpasses, and low-lying roads during the monsoon rains. However, the cantonment boards of Rawalpindi and Chaklala have yet to prepare a plan for the proper cleaning of the rain drains in their areas, including the 6 km Nullah Leh drain passing through the cantonment.

WASA Managing Director Salim Ashraf assured that the full flood season will continue till August 15, and cleaning of drains and rainy drains will be continued even during the flood season.

Earlier, WASA had demanded Rs70 million to clean 15 rainwater drains in the city, but only Rs60 million was released with a cut.

Sources said the desilting projects were in jeopardy and faced potential setbacks due to funding cuts. They said such a situation will threaten to leave the city vulnerable during the monsoon season.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2024.