Encroachments undermine Leh clean-up

Large-scale dumping of building material and solid waste, along with the establishment of illegal truck stands along Nullah Leh, has undermined the Water and Sanitation Agency's (WASA) cleaning operation carried out from May 1 to June 15 ahead of the monsoon season.

According to sources, WASA spent Rs80 million on the first phase of desilting and cleaning from IJP Road to Moti Mahal Chowk.

The operation aimed to increase the depth of the nullah, restore its width and clean 15 sewer drains flowing into it.

The campaign significantly improved the nullah's capacity, allowing floodwater to pass quickly into the Soan River during heavy rains and ensuring timely drainage from connected sewer channels.

However, in Pirwadhai, Dhoke Dalal, Ganjmandi and Gawalmandi areas, large quantities of material have again been dumped into the nullah, drastically reducing its depth. Behind Ganjmandi Police Station, truck stands have been established after filling portions of the nullah to create parking space.

The situation has raised concerns that Nullah Leh could once again cause devastation in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi during the coming monsoon season.

When contacted, WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said dumping building material, garbage or solid waste into Nullah Leh is prohibited and legal action should be taken against violators.

He said the required depth and width of the nullah would be restored before the monsoon.

He added that phased cleaning of Nullah Leh and the 15 sewer drains would continue until the onset of the monsoon season.