Deadline set for de-silting of Nullah Leh
The water level rose to 18 feet at Nullah Leh after a heavy downpour in the twin cities on Tuesday. PHOTO: Agha Mahroz/EXPRESS
Officials have been directed to complete the de-silting of Nullah Leh by July 15 to avoid urban flooding as the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are expected to receive more than 30% rainfall during monsoon.
Section 144 is in force to prevent the dumping of garbage in Nullah Leh and stormwater drains. Relief camps were also established at six places in the city to deal with emergencies.
A meeting of the Division Coordination Committee was held in the chair Rawalpindi Commissioner Engineer Aamir Khattak on Wednesday. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner, Hasan Waqar Cheema, Director Local Government, Syed Sabatin Kazmi and other relevant department officers, including the Water and Sewerage Agency’s managing director attended the meeting.
According to the experts, 30% more rains have been predicted during the current monsoon season. Rawalpindi Commissioner, Engineer Aamir Khattak, issued instructions to complete the de-silting work of Nullah Leh by July 10. He added that the cleaning of other rain drains including Nullah Leh should be ensured and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.
“While natural calamities cannot be prevented, timely measures can help mitigate any major damage. In case of rains, the holidays of the officers and personnel of all other related departments including RMC and WASA will be cancelled,” he said. Timely measures should be taken for rainwater drainage and the WASA should clean the drains to improve the sewerage system across the city, he added.
Sewerage systems should be activated in case of heavy rainfall, Municipal Corporation should ensure complete removal of encroachments from drain banks. WASA machinery also keeps roads and streets clear during rains.
Commissioner Rawalpindi said that special attention should be given to Ratta Amral, Katarian, Tipu Road, Dhok Naju, Gawalmandi and Ziaul Haq Colony areas, adding that the most dangerous area in Nullah Lai is Gawalmandi. In particular, the health department should ensure the provision of adequate medical facilities to avoid any untoward situation.
WASA managing director said that monsoon relief camps have been established in Liaquat Bagh, Murree Road, Nullah Lai, Gawalmandi Bridge, Commercial Market, Khayaban-e-Sirsyed and Sadiqabad.