Incomplete drain desilting prompts flood alert

Authorities warn of high flood risk amid funding shortages, delayed preparedness

RAWALPINDI:

With the flood season having begun and floodwater entering low-lying areas during two recent rainfalls, a red alert has been issued over the risk of flooding in the 18-kilometre Nullah Leh and 15 rain drains across the city during the monsoon.

The flood season has been declared from June 15 to August 15. Authorities have warned of a high flood risk in Nullah Leh and rain drains between July 20 and July 27 due to expected heavy rainfall.

Wasa, the Municipal Corporation and other departments had sought Rs150 million for cleaning and widening Nullah Leh and 15 rain drains. Of the requested amount, Rs80 million was meant for rain drains and Rs70 million for Nullah Leh. However, even half the funds have not been released by the government.

As a result, cleaning work at critical points of the 15 rain drains has not been carried out. Only partial cleaning has been completed at Gawalmandi, Saddar, Committee Chowk and Liaquat Bagh along Nullah Leh.

Cleaning operations have yet to begin in several inner-city areas, including Fauji Colony, Ziaul Haq Colony, Dhoke Hassu, Dhoke Najju, Dhoke Dalal, Ratta Amral, Dhoke Chiragh Din, Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Mohanpura and Pirwadhai, despite the start of the pre-monsoon season.

Due to a shortage of funds, the administration has also not established flood relief camps for residents of vulnerable areas. The district administration has yet to conduct a full-dress rehearsal at Rawal Dam involving Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and police teams. A flood control room has also not been set up at the district courts.

Departments responsible for drain cleaning and rescue operations have started complaining about financial constraints. Meanwhile, residents of Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony, Fazalabad and Millat Colony staged a protest after floodwater entered their neighbourhoods during two pre-monsoon rains.

Residents Haji Maskeen, Fawad Ali and Qaiser Kiani said no cleaning had been carried out in nearby drains and Leh Nullah, leaving them fearful of flooding. They claimed several families had already relocated.

Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said all possible measures were being taken to deal with any expected flooding during the monsoon. He said a joint meeting of all relevant departments would be held next week and preparations had already begun.