RAWALPINDI:
The flood season for the 18-kilometre-long Nullah Leh and 15 seasonal streams, which wreak havoc on the city every monsoon, will begin on Monday, June 15 and continue until August 15.
Despite the start of the flood season, desilting and removal of waste and construction materials from Nullah Leh and 15 seasonal waterways have not been completed, raising fears of another destructive flood this year.
Residents living along Nullah Leh and seasonal waterways have started moving out due to these fears, while many have moved their valuables to safer locations. Although Rs 80 million has been allocated for de-silting, even 15 percent of the work is not completed.
Nullah Leh hails from the Margalla Hills of Islamabad. Until 1950, it was a clear stream whose water was used for drinking. Women washed clothes and bathed along its banks, while members of the Hindu community immersed their ashes after cremations.
Dhobi ghats existed at several places along its banks. Historical accounts suggest that Alexander the Great’s army camped beside the stream due to the clarity of its water, while Aryan tribes remained settled in the area for 80 years. Arya Mohalla still exists alongside the nullah.
When Islamabad became the capital during the era of Ayub Khan, the stream was gradually contaminated by sewage and has now turned into a foul-smelling drain.
So far, 17 major and minor floods have hit Nullah Leh, resulting in the death of 210 people and the loss of 2,500 animals, including cows, buffaloes, goats, dogs and cats. The most devastating flood occurred on July 23, 2001, killing 81 people.
Half the town was submerged under 10 to 20 feet of water, while two-story homes in nearby areas were flooded. One flood occurred during the era of Ayub Khan, one during that of Yahya Khan, three during the tenure of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, three during the reign of General Ziaul Haq, three during the tenure of Pervez Musharraf, two during the governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, one during the government of Imran Khan and two during the present government.
The flood of July 23, 2001 caused losses of 7 billion rupees to traders and another 2 billion rupees to citizens.
For flood monitoring, two critical points have been designated on Nullah Leh. The danger level in Katarian is 18 feet, while in Gawalmandi it is 17 feet.
A year ago, the flood early warning system installed on the nullah was stolen and had to be replaced.
Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said preparations to deal with floods have been completed. The Triple One Brigade will remain on full red alert during the flood season. Personnel from relief agencies, Civil Defense and Rescue 1122 will undergo dress rehearsals at Rawal Dam to rescue stranded citizens, with army personnel also participating.
To deal with power outages during floods, Civil Defense volunteers will receive special manually operated sirens. These will be placed in special Civil Protection districts established in flood-prone areas.
Five relief camps will be set up at Islamia No. 1 Higher Secondary School on Murree Road, Islamia Secondary School on Liaquat Road near Liaquat Bagh, New Katarian Girls’ School, Dhoke Hassu Girls’ School, Dhoke Ratta Bhosa Godam Girls’ School and a girls’ school at Gawalmandi.
