Plastic waste augments urban flooding risks

Monsoon rainfall on Monday left several low-lying areas of Lahore, including Gulshan Ravi and Chungi Amar Sidhu, inundated, highlighting the growing challenge of urban flooding.

Experts say plastic waste, shopping bags and other solid waste dumped into drains and sewer lines remain among the leading causes of blocked drainage systems during the rainy season.

Plastic bags discarded on roadside or into an open drain can obstruct the flow of rainwater, contributing to waterlogging during heavy downpours.

Authorities say plastic waste and other debris accumulated in drains not only pollute the environment but also significantly reduce the capacity of the city's drainage network, delaying the timely disposal of stormwater.

Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company water expert Adnan Nisar Khan said the disposal of plastic bags, household and other solid waste into open drains and sewer lines restricted the flow of wastewater and rainwater, eventually clogging the drainage system.

According to the Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA), the city has seven major drains cumulatively 94 kilometres long. WASA carries out desilting and cleaning operations before the monsoon season each year, while underground tanks have also been constructed at several locations to store excess water during heavy rainfall.