Heavy rain lashes Jaranwala

Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Sohail Qadir Cheema, conducted an early morning field visit to oversee emergency drainage operations after a record-breaking 101 mm of rainfall drenched parts of the city on Wednesday.

Cheema visited the relief camp at Mandi Morr on Samundari Road and reviewed the progress of the drainage efforts.

Ghulam Muhammad Abad and Madina Town received the highest rainfall - 101mm each - followed closely by Iqbal Colony (99mm), Dogar Basti (98mm), and Gulistan Colony (97mm).

As rain began early in the morning, WASA operations officers and staff were placed on high alert.

De-watering machines and emergency vehicles were deployed and special measures were implemented to ensure rapid drainage of accumulated water.

Major thoroughfares including Sheikhupura Road, Lasani Pully on Sargodha Road, Station Chowk, Saad Belah, Mandi Morr, Iqbal Stadium, and Abdullah Pur were cleared shortly after the rain subsided.

Speaking on the situation, MD WASA Sohail Qadir Cheema said the response followed direct instructions from Director General WASA Punjab. "All machinery was functional and staff were deployed at strategic locations to aid citizens," he stated, assuring that "no negligence will be tolerated in public service delivery."

Cheema added that the drainage operation is being carried out in two phases - the first phase covered main roads and intersections, while the second involves clearing water from side streets using mobile units.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd.) Nadeem Nasser visited several affected areas, including Gulistan Colony, Millat Chowk, and the Gatti Disposal Station in Bhai Wala, to monitor ongoing operations.

He issued directives on-site, urging WASA officials to intensify efforts and ensure relief reaches all areas.

During his inspection, the deputy commissioner emphasised the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted response, particularly in low-lying neighbourhoods.

"All disposal stations must remain fully functional, and coordination between WASA, Waste Management Company, the Municipal Corporation, and other relevant bodies is crucial," he stated.