Monsoon preparations: Over 60 ‘pockets’ vulnerable to flooding identified

Civic agency’s Flood Relief Cell has initiated clean-up operation of capital’s nullahs.

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has identified 65 “pockets” in the capital which are vulnerable to damage and flooding during the upcoming monsoon season, said a CDA press release on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast monsoon rains to begin in the country from June 29.

The first spell of isolated rains and thundershowers is expected to persist for two to three days and will affect mainly upper parts of the country including Islamabad, according to PMD.

During a pre-monsoon preparation meeting, the CDA Chairman Nadeem Hassan Asif was informed that the civic agency’s Flood Relief Cell had initiated a clean-up operation of nullahs in the capital to prevent flooding of the surrounding areas by stormwater, said the press release.

A majority of the capital’s nullahs are either clogged with trash or surrounded by slums that are at risk of flooding during heavy rains. Most of the 65 vulnerable areas identified by the CDA are clogged streams, drains and residential areas close to them.

The Flood Relief Cell, which is part of the CDA’s Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate, has also requesting slum dwellers to remove illegal structures built on the sides of nullahs.



Building Control Cell officials told Asif that residents were also being told to remove illegal sewerage connections linked to rainwater pipes.

CDA Environment Member Ahsan Ali Mangi will be supervising the Flood Relief Cell’s operations directly while the Civic Management director-general will be coordinating with Mangi.

Asif ordered an increase in the number of CDA teams patrolling the city during the rains, to ensure that information about possible flooding incidents can be relayed to the Flood Relief Cell in a timely manner. He also directed the cell, which has been equipped with water pumps for draining rainwater, to liaise with PMD and take all possible precautionary measures for the safety of the public and their properties during the monsoon season.

The cell, located in the Fire Brigade Headquarters in Sector G-7, will remain on high alert during the monsoon season.

Citizens can contact the cell by dialing 16 or 1334. The CDA Environment Wing Helpline — 051-2855513 — is also available in case of flood-related emergencies.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2013.