RAWALPINDI: Fearing another season of urban flooding and rain chaos, the district administration has launched an aggressive pre monsoon operation to clean Leh Nullah, dredge major drains and remove encroachments from vulnerable areas across the city. Authorities say the emergency plan is aimed at preventing flash floods that repeatedly paralyse Rawalpindi during heavy monsoon rains.
Officials have identified 19 high risk locations along Leh Nullah and the Soan River where flooding threats remain severe. The sensitive areas include Kattarian, Pirwadhai, Dhoke Hassu, Tench Bhatta, Range Road, Boring Road and several densely populated colonies located near the water channels. Work on dredging and drain clearance is expected to begin next month and continue on a war footing before the arrival of monsoon rains.
According to senior officials, the Water and Sanitation Agency will lead the dredging of Leh Nullah while the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company and Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation will clean roadside drains and 11 major nullahs across the city. Authorities have directed all civic agencies to complete the operation by the end of May to reduce flood pressure during peak rainfall season.
The administration has also intensified action against illegal dumping of garbage and construction material into drains and nullahs, calling it one of the major causes of urban flooding. Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation and Rawalpindi Development Authority have been ordered to survey and remove encroachments built along waterways before summer reaches its peak.
A high level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema reviewed flood preparedness plans, emergency response capacity and arrangements for relief camps in low lying areas. Rescue teams, machinery, pumps and emergency staff are being placed on alert to ensure rapid response during any flood emergency.
Officials said continuous monitoring of Leh Nullah, streams and rainwater channels will continue throughout the monsoon season. The district administration warned that negligence by any department would not be tolerated as authorities move to protect lives, homes and businesses from another potential flood disaster in Rawalpindi.
