Monsoon exposes drainage failure

Flooding disrupts traffic, power supply as traders demand urgent measures

ABBOTTABAD:

Torrential monsoon rains lashed Abbottabad on Monday, once again exposing the chronic failure of the city's stormwater drainage system as several densely populated localities were inundated, disrupting traffic, commercial activities and electricity supply.

Long queues of vehicles were witnessed on both sides of the Karakoram Highway passing through Abbottabad city as rainwater accumulated on roads, bringing traffic to a near standstill. Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded for hours in low-lying areas, particularly near Ayub Teaching Hospital, Mandian, Jhangi, Sethi Mosque, Supply Bazaar and other densely populated localities.

Commuters faced severe difficulties due to prolonged traffic congestion.

Electricity supply was also disrupted in most parts of the city following the heavy downpour, adding to the difficulties of residents and businesses.

The Small Industrial Estate along Mansehra Road was among the worst-hit areas, where residents and traders said every spell of heavy rain turns the main industrial road into a virtual lake.

Rainwater flowing from Kala Pul, Mirpur and adjoining areas accumulates along the stretch from Kala Pul to Small Industry Chowk, inundating shops, warehouses and manufacturing units. Floodwater entered numerous commercial establishments and factories, causing losses worth millions of rupees.

Business owners said the issue had persisted for several years despite repeated complaints, but no effective remedial measures had been taken. They expressed disappointment over the continued inaction by political leaders, elected local representatives and relevant government departments.

Traders pointed out that while government agencies regularly collect a wide range of taxes, including sales tax, excise duties, electricity and gas charges and other levies, from businesses operating along Mansehra Road and the Small Industrial Estate, the authorities had failed to provide even basic drainage infrastructure to protect them from recurring urban flooding.

They said taxes were collected on every product sold in markets and items manufactured in the industrial estate, including juice cartons, bread, biscuits and other consumer goods, but no adequate steps had been taken to address the drainage issue.