Sialkot moves to tackle urban flooding
Volunteers from Rescue 1122 search for residents in a flooded area, following monsoon rains and rising water levels in Sialkot, Punjab province, Pakistan, August 27, 2025. Photo: Reuters
A project has been formulated to permanently protect Sialkot city from urban flooding and rainwater-related problems through large-scale remodeling and restructuring of Nullah Bhed, Member of the Provincial Assembly Chaudhry Faisal Ikram said.
He said more than Rs2 billion would be spent on the concreting (lining) of the drain, while the Punjab government would provide additional funds for land acquisition and the overall restructuring of the project. The MPA expressed these views during an inspection of the Nullah Bhed expansion project, accompanied by Administrator Municipal Corporation Abbas Zulqarnain.
Chaudhry Faisal Ikram said that on the directives of Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, a scientifically based feasibility report was being prepared to ensure effective and sustainable implementation of the project. He added that once completed, the report would help significantly enhance the water flow capacity of the drain.
Highlighting the importance of the project, the MPA said Nullah Bhed runs through the heart of the city and cantonment and serves as the backbone of Sialkot's drainage system.
He said that wherever required, land would be acquired to increase the drain's water-carrying capacity and prevent future flooding.
He further said that in the first phase, the alignment of the drain was being corrected to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of rainwater. Expressing satisfaction over the pace of work, he noted that desilting operations were progressing rapidly.
More than 7,000 tons of garbage and silt have already been removed from the drain, resulting in a visible improvement in water flow and drainage efficiency.
Chaudhry Faisal Ikram also said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif was taking a keen interest in the development of Sialkot and the resolution of public issues.
He added that while Rs2 billion had already been allocated for the lining of Nullah Bhed, the remaining funds required for remodeling and land acquisition would be released by the Punjab government immediately after the feasibility report was finalised.