RAWALPINDI:
The flood season for the 18 kilometer long Nullah Leh and 15 seasonal streams that wreak havoc on the city every monsoon begins on Monday, June 15 and continues till August 15.
Despite the start of the flood season, desilting and removal of debris and construction material from Nullah Leh and the 15 seasonal streams has not been completed, raising fears of another devastating flood this year.
Residents living along Nullah Leh and the seasonal streams have started moving due to this fear, while many have shifted their valuables to safer places. Although Rs 80 million has been earmarked for desilting, even 15 per cent of the work has not been completed.
Nullah Leh originates from Margalla Hills in 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 ashes there after cremations.
Dhobi ghats existed at several places along its banks. Historical accounts suggest that Alexander the Great’s army camped beside the stream because of its clear water, while Aryan tribes remained settled in the area for 80 years. The Arya Mohalla still exists along with the nullah.
As Islamabad was developed as a capital during the Ayub Khan era, the creek was gradually polluted by sewage and has now turned into a foul-smelling drain.
So far 17 major and minor floods have hit Nullah Leh resulting in 210 deaths and loss of 2,500 animals including cows, buffaloes, goats, dogs and cats. The most devastating flood occurred on 23 July 2001 and claimed 81 lives.
Half of the city was submerged under 10 to 20 feet of water, while two-story houses in nearby areas were flooded. One flood occurred during Ayub Khan’s era, one during Yahya Khan’s, three during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure, three under General Ziaul Haq’s rule, three during Pervez Musharraf’s tenure, two each under Benazir Bhutto’s and Nawaz Sharif’s governments, one under Imran Khan’s current government.
The 23 July 2001 flood caused a loss of Rs 7 billion to traders and another Rs 2 billion in loss to citizens.
For flood monitoring, two critical points have been identified on Nullah Leh. The danger level at Katarian is 18 feet while at Gawalmandi it is 17 feet.
A year ago, the early warning system installed at the nullah was stolen and needed to be replaced.
Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said preparations to deal with floods had been completed. Triple One Brigade will remain on full red alert during the flood season. Personnel from rescue organisations, Civil Defense and Rescue 1122 will undergo dress rehearsals at Rawal Dam to rescue stranded citizens, with Army personnel also participating.
To cope with power outages during floods, civil defense volunteers will be provided with special hand-operated siren units. These will be placed in special civil defense departments established in flood-prone areas.
Five relief camps will be set up at Islamia Higher Secondary School No.1 on Murree Road, Islamia High School Liaquat Road near Liaquat Bagh, Girls School New Katarian, Girls School Dhoke Hassu, Girls School Dhoke Ratta Bhosa Godam and a girls school at Gawalmandi.
