Raja Bazaar restored after monsoon flooding

Rs750 million redevelopment suffers damage as floodwater inundates market

RAWALPINDI:

The 250-year-old historic commercial centre Raja Bazaar, which had been transformed into a pedestrian shopping street through a Rs750 million remodelling and beautification project, was inundated during the first three monsoon rains, with up to three feet of flood and sewage water accumulating in the market.

The newly renovated Raja Bazaar walking street lost its appeal as colourful lights, beautification work and other improvements were damaged.

The flooded market presented the appearance of a pond, while water entering shops caused losses worth millions of rupees to traders.

On the directives of the Deputy Commissioner, the district administration, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and Municipal Corporation drained the water and restored the pedestrian street.

All lights damaged by floodwater, strong winds and storms have been replaced. The 1,500-metre stretch from Dingi Khoi to Raja Bazaar Chowk has been renovated on an emergency basis within 24 hours.

The road was cleared of water and Raja Bazaar was washed with clean water.

A project has also been approved to protect Raja Bazaar from flooding during the 2027 monsoon. Under the project, the large underground stormwater drain beneath the market will be deepened and widened and a large cemented tunnel will be installed to ensure drainage even in case of heavy rains. Preparation of the feasibility report has begun.

The underground old stormwater drains at Dingi Khoi Chowk, Mochi Bazaar-Raja Bazaar Chowk and Namak Mandi-Raja Bazaar Junction will be widened.

Large-diameter heavy cemented pipelines will be installed in the drains so that the beautification of Raja Bazaar is not washed away by future flooding.

The Deputy Commissioner said Raja Bazaar was the heart of the city and there would be no compromise on its beautification and related issues. He said the project would be completed before the next monsoon to make Raja Bazaar safe.

He added that all relevant departments would remain alert on both sides of Raja Bazaar during the rains of the final monsoon spell, while Rescue and Wasa teams would remain available to drain water.

Following the restoration and renewed beautification, citizens have started returning to Raja Bazaar for shopping and recreation.

Raja Bazaar traders, however, strongly condemned the market being flooded three times and said they had suffered losses worth millions of rupees. They demanded interest-free loans for the affected traders.