Nullah Leh: Water-level termed normal, at the moment

After dredging, Leh’s capacity increases to 24 feet.

RAWALPINDI: The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) on Friday said Nullah Leh has been flowing at normal levels during the current monsoon spell,so far.

“The water level was recorded at 5.5 and 6.10 feet at Gawalmandi and Katarian respectively on Friday morning. Leh has a capacity to contain 24 feet of water,” said WASA Managing Director Raja Shaukat Mehmood.

This rain spell, he said, was local and did not cause a substantial increase in water level in Leh. But rainfall in the Margallah Hills and Saidpur could surge water level in the city’s major tributary, he added.

Shaukat, who visited low-lying areas on Benazir Bhutto Road, Arya Mohallah and Tipu Road for a routine inspection, said Wasa has completed arrangements to tackle any emergency during the monsoon rain.

He said the agency has completed dredging in Nullah Leh hoping it will be able to contain any increase in the water level. He said the Punjab government has provided Rs15 million for Leh’s dredging and cleaning of all sewerage lines in the city, in addition to the Rs6 million allocated to Wasa.

Shaukat said Nullah Leh and its tributaries are the major drainage system of the city which takes rainwater from Islamabad and Rawalpindi into the Soan River.

Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast fewer rains this monsoon. “This particular spell will last for five to six days with brief intervals,” he said.

Shaukat said all the machinery and workforce has been mobilised to monitor the situation. A special cell is also operating round-the-clock to monitor the Leh. “Special monitoring is being ensured with the help of modern equipment and technical assistance provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency,” he informed.

The city has been divided into four sectors to monitor the nullahs and ensure the timely response of emergency teams in case of any floods.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2014.