Pindi flexes muscles to tackle monsoon rains

Authorities have imposed a "Rain and Flood Emergency" in the city and cantonment areas of Rawalpindi in response to the first heavy pre-monsoon rain.

To mitigate potential flooding, teams from the 111 Brigade and X Corps Rawalpindi conducted a comprehensive review of the Nullah Leh and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) provided a detailed briefing to the Commander of X Corps in this regard.

The 111 Brigade used drones to inspect the hazardous areas of Nullah Leh and issued strict instructions to the district administration.

Moreover, the flood season in Rawalpindi has been extended to September 15 following a forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department which predicted a 30% increase in monsoon rains compared to normal levels. Previously, the flood season in the region was scheduled from June 15 to August 30.

This year, WASA, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and the Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) have agreed to collaborate on a joint operation and management plan to address the floods. A formal agreement has been reached among the three institutions and the agencies will share daily updates and information on floods.

WASA has identified 19 low-lying areas, including all underpasses, as vulnerable to flooding this year, alongside 15 rainwater drains flowing into Nullah Leh, which have been deemed hazardous.

These areas comprise 15 locations in Rawalpindi city and four in the Cantonment Board areas, with the most critical ones being Javed Colony, Gawalmandi Lai Bridge, Murree Road Liaquat Bagh, Commercial Market, Sadiqabad Chowk, and Khayaban Sirsyed.

To address potential flooding, WASA has established emergency check posts in these low-lying areas with the staff working three shifts around the clock. As soon as rains begin, teams will swiftly respond to affected areas from these check posts. Additionally, five flood relief camps have also been set up, and a control room has been activated to monitor rainfall.

This year, WASA has requested Rs80 million for the thorough silt cleaning of Nullah Leh, citing increased petroleum prices, higher cleaning rates from private companies, and rental costs for heavy machinery.

So far, Rs50m has been released. Additionally, WASA has demanded Rs60m for the proper cleaning of 15 rainwater drains.

This year, the latest "Winch Machine" has been used for the effective cleaning of storm drains and large manholes, resulting in the modernised removal of garbage trapped underground between two significant manholes.

WASA Managing Director Salim Ashraf announced that the first major operational phase of Nullah Leh and storm drain silt cleaning would be completed by next week. “This year's cleanup efforts will persist until the end of the flood season, with teams conducting additional cleaning after each rainfall event.”

He also highlighted the positive impact of monsoon rains on the water levels in all three dams, leading to an improvement in groundwater levels.