Rawalpindi:
The recent monsoon rainfall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad resulted in widespread flooding, significant property damage and loss of life. Authorities have identified illegal construction of natural water channels as the primary cause.
Studies confirmed that water passages in residential areas, greenbelts, open fields and private housing communities were hindered or changed.
Without proper drainage infrastructure, the water stepped into urban centers, submerging low -lying areas and revealed systemic planning errors. In response, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has initiated a common task force involving Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards, Pakistan Army and other departments. A high-level meeting, chairman of RDA General Kinza Murtaza, emphasized immediate enforcement of existing laws and removal of interventions along rivers.
The meeting decided to restore natural water flow routes and enforce “Right to Road” Laws to prevent future disasters. Officials acknowledged that poor planning, blocked storm water drains and unauthorized land development contributed directly to the crisis. Authorities promised to rehabilitate flooding areas and ensure that natural waterways remain unobstructed, avoiding repeated scenarios for flood -induced destruction.
